It is a socialist idea that making profits is a vice; I consider the real vice is making losses.
The United States invariably does the right thing, after having exhausted every other alternative.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the tendency to choose the right path only after exploring all other options, often through trial and error.
Winston Churchill's quote reflects the idea that while the United States may ultimately reach decisions that align with moral righteousness or practicality, it often does so only after navigating through a series of less optimal choices. This suggests a process of learning through experience and the importance of perseverance in finding the best solution, acknowledging that the journey to correctness can be fraught with mistakes and misjudgments.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on policy-making, this quote could serve to illustrate the importance of thorough analysis before arriving at a conclusion.
More from Winston Churchill
All quotes βThe 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.
Similar quotes
Be vigilant; guard your mind against negative thoughts
Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.
Don't complain about growing old β many, many people do not have that privilege.
The fact is that anybody who has survived his childhood has enough information about life to last him the rest of his days. If you can't make something out of a little experience, you probably won't be able to make it out of a lot.
Reality can be beaten with enough imagination.
Look sharply after your own thoughts. They come unlooked for, like a new bird seen on your trees, and, if you turn to your usual task, disappear; and you shall never find that perception again; never, I say-but perhaps years, ages, and I know not what events and worlds my lie between you and its return.