Winston Churchill is one of the most beloved statesman of all times, both in the UK and here in America. He is the only living person to have ever received honorary U.S. citizenship (bestowed by John F. Kennedy). He is one of a handful of people from outside the U.S. to have a war ship named after him. Perhaps our love of Churchill is because his mother was born in Brooklyn, but I like to think that his words have made all the difference.
Some of my favorite Winston Churchill quotes:
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”
“The price of greatness is responsibility.”
On September 3, 1939, as England was about to enter World War II, Winston Churchill gave a short speech that inspired the country, saying, “We must expect many disappointments, and many unpleasant surprises, but we may be sure that the task which we have freely accepted is one not beyond the compass and the strength of the British Empire and the French Republic.”
Churchill had the ability to communicate a vision that inspired everyone around him, tapping our capacity to have courage and keep going. When you’re in the midst of a tough situation, don’t lose hope. Take Churchill’s advice: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.”
When you get through it, celebrate your courage and keep this favorite Churchill quote in mind: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
