It is a socialist idea that making profits is a vice; I consider the real vice is making losses.
Winston ChurchillRead
Although prepared for martyrdom, I preferred that it be postponed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes a desire to delay sacrifice for a greater cause, valuing life while being ready for profound commitment.
Winston Churchill's quote reflects the tension between the readiness to face death for one's beliefs and the innate human desire to prolong life. While he acknowledges the possibility of martyrdom—a noble and selfless sacrifice for a cause—he expresses a strong preference to hold off on such sacrifice, highlighting the significance of life and the fight for survival even in dire circumstances.
Themes
MartyrdomSacrificeLifeCommitmentCourage
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about resilience in difficult times, one might cite Churchill's thoughts on martyrdom.
More from Winston Churchill
All quotes →The United States is like a gigantic boiler. Once the fire is lit under it, there's no limit to the power it can generate.
Winston ChurchillRead
Politics is almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous. In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times.
Winston ChurchillRead
I will not pretend that if I had to choose between communism and Nazism I would choose communism.
Winston ChurchillRead
Mountaintops inspire leaders but valleys mature them.
Winston ChurchillRead
True genius resides in the capacity for evaluation of uncertain, hazardous, and conflicting information.
Winston ChurchillRead
Similar quotes
What do you have to fear? Nothing. Whom do you have to fear? No one. Why? Because whoever has joined forces with God obtains three great privileges: omnipotence without power, intoxication without wine, and life without death.
Francis Of AssisiRead
We view ourselves on the eve of battle. We are nerved for the conquest and must conquer or perish. It is vain to look for present aid: None is at hand. We must now act or abandon all hope!
Sam HoustonRead
The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war.
Norman SchwarzkopfRead
I took a chance, I took a shot And you may think I’m bullet-proof, but I’m not. You took a swing, I took it hard. And down here from the ground I see who you are
Taylor SwiftRead
If I make a fool of myself, who cares? I'm not frightened by anyone's perception of me.
Angelina JolieRead
I am ready to die for my Lord, that in my blood the Church may obtain liberty and peace.
Thomas BecketRead