Sir Winston Churchill is one of the most
prominent people ever to have been born at this time of year: he arrived in
this world at Blenheim Palace on November 30th 1874.
To mark the occasion, I have selected a few quotations from the huge number available. I have chosen non-political and
non-historical statements that have some relevance to this blog, and added some
comments of my own to his words of wisdom.
“You have enemies? Good. It means you’ve
stood up for something, sometime in your life.”
Yes indeed, although it should be re-phrased to say that people who stand up for something will have enemies. For example, I know from experience that people who show respect for the truth, question and criticise the behaviour of cult leaders, speak out against injustice and demonstrate that they can think for themselves and operate as individuals often become public enemy number 1.
Yes indeed, although it should be re-phrased to say that people who stand up for something will have enemies. For example, I know from experience that people who show respect for the truth, question and criticise the behaviour of cult leaders, speak out against injustice and demonstrate that they can think for themselves and operate as individuals often become public enemy number 1.
“Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but
most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever
happened .“
This undeniable fact and some of the factors involved have been covered
in several articles. Many people just don’t want or can’t afford to recognise and
face up to the truth.
“One must never forget when misfortunes come
that it is quite possible they are saving one from something much worse; or
that when you make some great mistake, it may very easily serve you better than
the best-advised decision.“
I am glad that he uses qualifiers.
Misfortunes do sometimes save us from something that would have been worse, but
not always; it is sometimes but not always possible to redeem the situation
when we have made very big mistakes. I have seen this from both sides. I have
been both saved and sabotaged by experiencing misfortunes and making mistakes.
“It is a mistake to try to look too far
ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time.”
I have always operated like this; where
possible, I prefer to take a small step forward and take another only when I
feel ready to move on.
"Words are the only things that last forever.”
Winston Churchill was a prolific writer. He
started in 1898 and ended around 1958. With
reference to the recent article about the value of words, he is a perfect
example of someone who very skilfully and effectively used words as tools.
His words are a very high-value currency; one
insightful statement from him is worth much more than many years’ output of
ready-made expressions and mindless drivel by people whose words have little or
no value.
No wonder he won the Nobel Prize in Literature.
If anyone’s words last forever, it will be
his.
Winston Churchill in 1895:
Bronze statues of WWII allies Roosevelt and Churchill on a bench in New Bond Street in London:
