"Like other systems in decay, the Roman Empire continued to function for several generations after its vitality was sapped. For nearly a hundred years our Island was one of the scenes of conflict between a dying civilisation and lusty, famishing barbarism."
Winston Churchill
Politician, Writer, Historian
Winston Churchill was a British Prime Minister known for his leadership during WWII and his powerful oratory that inspired resilience and determination.
- Born
- November 30, 1874
- Died
- January 24, 1965
- Quotes
- 1.3K
- Rank
- #42
Quote collection
Winston Churchill quotes (page 50 of 64)
1.3K quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"I play for high stakes and given an audience - there is no act too daring or too noble."
"I hope I shall never see the day when the Force of Right is deprived of the Right of Force."
"One of the most important signs of the existence of a democracy is that when there is a knock at the door at 5 in the morning, one is completely certain that it is the milkman."
"Where my reason, imagination or interest were not engaged, I would not or I could not learn."
"The world today is ruled by harassed politicians absorbed in getting into office or turning out the other man so that not much room is left for debating the great issues on their merits"
"There is no sphere of human thought in which it is easier to show superficial cleverness and the appearance of superior wisdom than in discussing questions of currency and exchange"
"History unfolds itself by strange and unpredictable paths. We have little control over the future; and none at all over the past."
"It is no use dealing with illusions and make-believes. We must look at the facts. The world ... is too dangerous for anyone to be able to afford to nurse illusions. We must look at realities."
"The unnatural and increasingly rapid growth of the feeble-minded and insane classes, coupled as it is with steady restriction among all the thrifty, energetic and superior stocks constitutes a national and race danger which is impossible to exaggerate. I feel that the source from which the stream of madness is fed should be cut off and sealed before another year has passed."
"Everybody has always underrated the Russians. They keep their own secrets alike from foe and friends."
"And wherever men are fighting against barbarism, tyranny, and massacre, for freedom, law, and honour, let them remember that the fame of their deeds, even though they themselves be exterminated, may perhaps be celebrated as long as the world rolls round."
"We hoped to land a wild cat that would tear out the bowels of the Boche. Instead we have stranded a vast whale with its tail flopping about in the water."
"Is the only lesson of history to be that mankind is unteachable?"
"It may be that ... when the advance of destructive weapons enables everyone to kill everybody else nobody will want to kill anyone at all. [Referring to the hydrogen bomb.]"
"One might as well legalise sodomy as recognise the Bolsheviks."
"Democracy is an awful way to run a country, but it's the best system we have."
"Neville Chamberlain looked at foreign affairs through the wrong end of a municipal drainpipe."
"You know, in war, you don't have to be nice. You only have to be right."
"Don't mind the five or more million Germans. Stalin will see to them they will cease to exist."