I am sure it would be sensible to restrict as much as possible the work of these gentlemen, who are capable of doing an immense amount of harm with what may very easily degenerate into charlatanry. The tightest hand should be kept over them, and they should not be allowed to quarter themselves in large numbers among Fighting Services at the public expense.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Churchill warns against allowing unqualified experts to harm military operations through charlatanry and demands strict oversight.
- In plain terms
- Limit the work of fake experts who might harm the armed forces.
- What can you take from it?
- Restrict the influence of unqualified advisors in military operations.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we spot fake expertise?
- What controls do we need on experts?
Another view
The term charlatanry is subjective and may unfairly dismiss unconventional but valid ideas.
More from Winston Churchill
The empires of the future are the empires of the mind.
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