The Wit and Wisdom of Winston Churchill

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Earlier this week, I watched Darkest Hour, a film that covers the first few weeks of newly-appointed Prime Minister Winston Churchill leading his nation on the brink of World War II. It was excellent.

Inspired by Gary Oldman’s acting, I went down a rabbit hole. I read some of Churchill’s most famous speeches and skimmed through a few of his books. It’s no surprise that Churchill could influence an entire nation with his words; he was an excellent writer. In today’s piece, I’m sharing some of Winston’s greatest one-liners and quotes from his writing.

I would try and riff on these lessons, but some things are better left untouched; with already excellent writing, I think that’s the case. Enjoy 😀

#1 Brute facts

“United wishes and good will cannot overcome brute facts. Truth is incontrovertible. Panic may resent it. Ignorance may deride it. Malice may distort it. But there it is.” ~ Winston Churchill

#2 Half-measures

“The era of procrastination, of half-measures, of soothing and baffling expedients, of delays is coming to a close. In its place we are entering a period of consequences.” ~ Winston Churchill

#3 Vice of capitalism

“The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings. The inherent virtue of Socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.” ~ Winston Churchill

#4 Concerning politics

“In politics when you are in doubt what to do, do nothing… when you are in doubt what to say, say what you really think.” ~ Winston Churchill

#5 Looking back

“Danger gathers upon our path. We cannot afford – we have no right – to look back. We must look forward.” ~ Winston Churchill

#6 Re-rat

“Anyone can rat, but it takes a certain amount of ingenuity to re-rat.” ~ Winston Churchill

#7 Listen before you speak

“We are the masters of unsaid words, but slaves of those we let slip out.” ~ Winston Churchill

#8 A ham sandwich

“A gentleman does not have a ham sandwich without mustard.” ~ Winston Churchill

#9 Where are the facts?

“You must look at the facts because they look at you.” ~ Winston Churchill

#10 Statesmen

“Statesmen are not called upon only to settle easy questions. These often settle themselves. It is where balance quivers, and the proportions are veiled in mist, that the opportunity for world-saving decisions presents itself.” ~ Winston Churchill

#11 The weird thing about fortune

“Sometimes when fortune scowls most spitefully, she is preparing her most dazzling gifts.” ~ Winston Churchill

Churchill's genius didn't stem from traditional thinking. Based on the film and his writing, his best work was the result of non-traditional thinking. Perhaps that's what made him so unique. The film was a reminder that "anyone can rat, but it takes a certain amount of ingenuity to re-rat."

It's the re-rat that's not taught in today's society. We value taking the safe route, the well-defined path, and chastise those who dare think or speak differently than us. But for what? So we feel better about ourselves? The real winners in life are those who re-rat. Because people who re-rat are carving out their path in this world, they're not leaving their life up to chance. They're at the helm, navigating the waters they believe in.

Anyway, if you like history, or love good acting, give the Darkest Hour a watch on Netflix. And send me an email with your favorite quote from Winston!

Keep crushing.

Cheers,

Noah Cracknell

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