It is a socialist idea that making profits is a vice; I consider the real vice is making losses.
Winston ChurchillRead
The is always much to be said for not attempting more than you can do and for making a certainty of what you try. But this principle, like others in life and war, has it exceptions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
It's wise to know your limits, but there are exceptions to every rule.
Winston Churchill's quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's capabilities and focusing on achievable goals. However, it also acknowledges that sometimes, taking risks or pushing beyond those limits can lead to extraordinary outcomes, especially in critical situations like those in life and warfare.
Themes
LimitsRiskCertaintyExceptionDecision
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about pursuing dreams, this quote could remind the audience to balance ambition with realism.
More from Winston Churchill
All quotes →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.
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Politics is almost as exciting as war, and quite as dangerous. In war you can only be killed once, but in politics many times.
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I will not pretend that if I had to choose between communism and Nazism I would choose communism.
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Mountaintops inspire leaders but valleys mature them.
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True genius resides in the capacity for evaluation of uncertain, hazardous, and conflicting information.
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