Book excerpt: Generally regarded as one of the fathers of British politics, Benjamin Disraeli remains today one of the most influential Prime Ministers in history. Though fiercely conservative (in fact, centrally involved in the creation of the modern Conservative Party), much of his work in international affairs is still admired by people of all political persuasions. Unlike most politicians of today, Disraeli had much of interest to say on the subject of philosophy, and was very outspoken in his views on mankind and life itself. He remains a much quoted figure today. This book brings together some of Disraeli’s most interesting thoughts on a number of different topics.