This essay was originally delivered as the inaugural Keith Joseph Memorial Lecture in 1996. It has been republished in the Centre for Policy Studies' book 'Conservative Revolution: The Centre for Policy Studies at 50', which can be purchased here. Keith Joseph, in whose honour this Lecture is delivered, had the charm of a hundred paradoxes.
He was a modest man; but, unlike so many modest men, he had really nothing to be modest about. He was (that overworked, but in this case appropriate word) 'brilliant'; yet he never indulged in intellectual virtuosity. He was brave; yet by nature he was timid.
He could seem cerebral and remote; but he had a warm heart and impish humour that made his friendship an inexpressible delight. Keith was also unusual in that, even when quite old and frail, he seemed somehow to remain young. The secret of this youthful spirit was the opposite to that of Faust.
For in Keith's case it was the fruit of innocence. Not the innocence of inexperience, let alone of insensitivity. This was the innocence of the pure of heart – of those who have wrestled with the evils of humanity, while remaining unspotted by the world.
Keith's goodness was shown by the little kindnesses which marked his dealings with both political friends and opponents – he had no enemies. But Keith was more than good; he was also great. And his greatness lay in his integrity.
Integrity is an old-fashioned word. There are even some who will tell you it is an old-fashioned thing. But, for.
