I do not agree that the dog in a manger has the final right to the manger even though he may have lain there for a very long time. I do not admit that right. I do not admit for instance, that a great wrong has been done to the Red Indians of America or the black people of Australia. I do not admit that a wrong has been done to these people by the fact that a stronger race, a higher-grade race, a more worldly wise race to put it that way, has come in and taken their place.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Churchill rejects the idea that mere occupancy grants permanent rights, arguing that stronger groups displacing indigenous peoples does not constitute a wrong.
- In plain terms
- He denies that living somewhere long gives you final rights to it.
- What can you take from it?
- Possession does not guarantee permanent moral or legal rights.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we evaluate historical figures who hold such views?
- What rights are truly earned versus claimed?
Another view
The quote reflects eugenicist and racist views that are morally indefensible today.
More from Winston Churchill
So they go on in strange paradox, decided only to be undecided, resolved to be irresolute, adamant for drift, solid for fluidity, all-powerful to be impotent.
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Permalink to quote #39 The world looks with some awe upon a man who appears unconcernedly indifferent to home, money, comfort, rank, or even power and fame. The world feels not witho…
Permalink to quote #36
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