Gilbert Keith Chesterton (May 29, 1874–June 14, 1936) was an influential English writer of the early 20th century. His prolific and diverse output included journalism, poetry, biography and Christian apologetics, but today he is probably best remembered for his Father Brown short stories.

Chesterton has been called the “prince of paradox.” He wrote in an off-hand, whimsical prose studded with startling formulations. For example: “Thieves respect property. They merely wish the property to become their property that they may more perfectly respect it.” He is one of the few Christian thinkers who are admired and quoted equally by liberal and conservative Christians, and indeed by many non-Christians. Chesterton’s own theological and political views were far too nuanced to fit comfortably under the “liberal” or “conservative” banner.

If I had only one sermon to preach it would be a sermon against pride.

Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.

It is the test of a good religion whether you can joke about it.

Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.

Love means to love that which is unlovable; or it is no virtue at all.

No man who worships education has got the best out of education… Without a gentle contempt for education no man’s education is complete.

The Bible tells us to love our neighbours, and also to love our enemies; probably because generally they are the same people.

There is a road from the eye to heart that does not go through the intellect.

Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to that arrogant oligarchy who merely happen to be walking around.