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About this quote

What does it mean?
Churchill reminds listeners that victory in 1940 was not guaranteed at the start.
In plain terms
People forget that at the beginning of the war there was no sure way to win.
What can you take from it?
Historical outcomes often depend on chance and effort rather than destiny.

Where it applies

  • motivational talks
  • historical study
  • leadership training

Putting it to work

  • teaching history
  • public speaking
  • leadership coaching

Questions to consider

  • What makes victory seem guaranteed?
  • How do we handle uncertainty?

Another view

It downplays the strategic advantages that favored the allies over time.

More from Winston Churchill

  1. The hardest cross I have to bear is the Cross of Lorraine.

    Permalink to quote #217
  2. I only believe in statistics that I doctored myself.

    Permalink to quote #219
  3. Don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy, and the lash.

    Permalink to quote #216

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