Unknown MP sitting behind Churchill on the back benches during his twilight years, to adjacent colleague, sotto voce: He's not what he used to be. They say he's gone senile. Churchill, turning around to face them: And they say he has gone deaf as well!
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Churchill defends himself against rumors of senility by claiming the same gossip also says he is deaf, implying they do not hear themselves speak.
- In plain terms
- He uses humor to show the rumors are baseless gossip.
- What can you take from it?
- Use wit to deflect personal criticism.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you respond to rumors?
- When is humor appropriate in crisis?
Another view
It may not address serious concerns about capability.
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