It is a socialist idea that making profits is a vice; I consider the real vice is making losses.
Winston ChurchillRead
Thus, then, on the night of the tenth of May, at the outset of this mighty battle, I acquired the chief power in the State, which henceforth I wielded in ever-growing measure for five years and three months of world war, at the end of which time, all our enemies having surrendered unconditionally or being about to do so, I was immediately dismissed by the British electorate from all further conduct of their affairs.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Churchill reflects on his time leading during World War II and highlights both his power and his eventual dismissal.
In this quote, Winston Churchill recounts the pivotal moments of his leadership during a critical period of the Second World War. He acknowledges the immense responsibility he bore while wielding power in the state, guiding his nation through a challenging crisis. However, he also emphasizes the transient nature of political authority, noting that despite his significant contributions to the war effort, he was ultimately dismissed by the electorate after victory was achieved, illustrating the fickleness of political support and the challenges leaders face even during times of success.
Themes
LeadershipWarPowerPoliticsResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
During a history class discussing leadership qualities.
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.
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Politics is almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous. In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times.
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I will not pretend that if I had to choose between communism and Nazism I would choose communism.
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Mountaintops inspire leaders but valleys mature them.
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True genius resides in the capacity for evaluation of uncertain, hazardous, and conflicting information.
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