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About this quote

What does it mean?
Churchill states that doing your best is sometimes insufficient; you must do what is necessary.
In plain terms
Doing your best isn't enough; do what is needed.
What can you take from it?
Action must meet necessity, not just effort.

Where it applies

  • crisis
  • decision making
  • leadership

Putting it to work

  • leadership advice
  • moral reasoning
  • decision making

Questions to consider

  • When is effort not enough?
  • How do you decide what is required?

Another view

It may justify extreme actions if deemed 'required'.

More from Winston Churchill

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