He was petulent as a child, irritable to a degree at the least criticism, oscillating between apparently unaffected indifference to public opinion an… - Alfred Deakin

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He was petulent as a child, irritable to a degree at the least criticism, oscillating between apparently unaffected indifference to public opinion and the keenest appetite for its applause. The genuine indifference was that of a jaded man who has lost self-confidence and is thoroughly weak of will. His affected indifference was part of a theatrical pose he played with foolish ostentation. He was such a mass of weaknesses and wilfulnesses and insincerities that he leaned for support upon any who could win his confidence, which could always be accomplished by flatterers or intriguers.

English
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About Alfred Deakin

(3 August 1856 – 7 October 1919) was an Australian politician who served as the second from 1903 to 1904, 1905 to 1908 and 1909 to 1910. He held office as the leader of the , and in his final term as that of the Liberal Party. He is notable for being one of the founding fathers of Federation and for his influence in early .

Also Known As

Alternative Names: The Honourable Alfred Deakin
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Additional quotes by Alfred Deakin

Parkes said of himself and another member that they were alike in that they consistently lived above their means. He was as much an admirer of the fair sex, so that when once on a specially dashing woman appearing in the gallery of the New South Wales Assembly, and Parkes being asked who she was, replied in sardonic style: "Well I don't know myself. I've asked George Reid and Wise, and they don't know, from which I conclude that she must be a woman of good reputation."

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