Born in London, England, Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), the 1st Earl of Beaconsfield, influenced British politics for over 30 years as its prime minister (1868 and 1874-1880), statesman, and author.

"No government," he wrote, "can be long secure without a formidable opposition."

Disraeli became the leader of the Tory protectionists in 1848.  "Life is too short to be small," he said.

In the midst of Victorianism, the statesman became England's first and only Jewish prime minister. He was a conservative who favored a political partnership with the working and middle classes. He also believed in preserving the monarchy.

"The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches," he explained, "but reveal to them their own."

He published his first novel, Vivian Grey, in 1826 and two political novels, Coningsby (1844) and Sybil (1846).

"Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think," he said.

Delighted by the blossom of the primrose, Disraeli would take Queen Victoria small bouquets. After his death, prominent Conservatives formed the "Primrose League," an organization to celebrate the great Prime Minister's principles.

We are all born for love.