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About this quote

What does it mean?
In conflict, survival matters more than moral correctness.
In plain terms
Who survives is more important than who is right.
What can you take from it?
Survival often outweighs moral arguments in war.

Where it applies

  • military strategy
  • political negotiation
  • crisis management

Putting it to work

  • prioritize safety over pride
  • assess risks realistically

Questions to consider

  • Does survival justify any means?
  • When does principle outweigh survival?

Another view

Moral rightness can still matter for long-term legitimacy.

More from Winston Churchill

  1. Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened.

    Permalink to quote #150
  2. Never hold discussions with the monkey when the organ grinder is in the room.

    Permalink to quote #152
  3. Joe loved the working man, he loved to see him work.

    Permalink to quote #149

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