It is a socialist idea that making profits is a vice; I consider the real vice is making losses.
Winston ChurchillRead
Although prepared for martyrdom, I preferred that it be postponed.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes a desire to delay sacrifice for a greater cause, valuing life while being ready for profound commitment.
Winston Churchill's quote reflects the tension between the readiness to face death for one's beliefs and the innate human desire to prolong life. While he acknowledges the possibility of martyrdom—a noble and selfless sacrifice for a cause—he expresses a strong preference to hold off on such sacrifice, highlighting the significance of life and the fight for survival even in dire circumstances.
In practice
In a speech about resilience in difficult times, one might cite Churchill's thoughts on martyrdom.
It is a socialist idea that making profits is a vice; I consider the real vice is making losses.
The United States is like a gigantic boiler. Once the fire is lit under it, there's no limit to the power it can generate.
Politics is almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous. In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times.
I will not pretend that if I had to choose between communism and Nazism I would choose communism.
Mountaintops inspire leaders but valleys mature them.
True genius resides in the capacity for evaluation of uncertain, hazardous, and conflicting information.
You may be pretty or plain, heavy or thin, gay or straight, poor or rich. But remember this: In an election, every voice is equally powerful -- don't underestimate your vote. Voting is the great equalizer.
One cannot answer for his courage when he has never been in danger.
Every wrong seems possible today, and is accepted. I don't accept it.
Unless men are active allies, we'll never end violence against women and girls.
Bullies, oppressors and all men who do violence to the rights of others are guilty not only of their own crimes, but also of the corruption they bring into the hearts of their victims.
Fighting is endurance, knocking a guy out in 10 seconds is not fighting, its beating him to the punch. But when you put in that time, that is fighting because you are thinking
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.