130 Powerful Winston Churchill Quotes That Will Help You Never Give Up

Last updated on April 4, 2023

Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill (born 30 November 1874, Blenheim, Oxfordshire, England – died 24 January 1965, London, England) was a British statesman, soldier, and writer who as prime minister (1940–45, 1951–55) rallied the British people during World War II and led his country from the brink of defeat to victory. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 for his overall, lifetime body of work.

20 Famous Sir Winston Churchill Quotes to Uplift You

You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life. ― Winston Churchill — You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.

If you’re going through hell, keep going. ― Winston Churchill — If you’re going through hell, keep going.

My tastes are simple – I am easily satisfied with the best. ― Winston Churchill — My tastes are simple – I am easily satisfied with the best.

Attitude is a little thing that makes a BIG difference. ― Winston Churchill — Attitude is a little thing that makes a BIG difference.

Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning. ― Winston Churchill — Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.

You ask, What is our policy? I will say; ‘It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us: to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy.’ You ask, What is our aim? I can answer with one word: Victory—victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival.
Winston Churchill

The price of greatness is responsibility. ― Winston Churchill — The price of greatness is responsibility.

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. ― Winston Churchill — We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

You will never get to the end of the journey if you stop to shy a stone at every dog that barks. ― Winston Churchill — You will never get to the end of the journey if you stop to shy a stone at every dog that barks.

To improve is to change, so to be perfect is to have changed often. ― Winston Churchill — To improve is to change, so to be perfect is to have changed often.

I have nothing to offer but blood, toil tears and sweat. ― Winston Churchill — I have nothing to offer but blood, toil tears and sweat.

The true guide of life is to do what is right. ― Winston Churchill — The true guide of life is to do what is right.

Give us the tools, and we will finish the job. ― Winston Churchill — Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.

Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones. ― Winston Churchill — Character may be manifested in the great moments, but it is made in the small ones.

It is better to perish than to live as slaves. ― Winston Churchill — It is better to perish than to live as slaves.

There is only one duty, only one safe course, and that is to try to be right and not to fear to do or say what you believe to be right. ― Winston Churchill — There is only one duty, only one safe course, and that is to try to be right and not to fear to do or say what you believe to be right.

All the greatest things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word – freedom; justice; honour; duty; mercy; hope. ― Winston Churchill — All the greatest things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word – freedom; justice; honour; duty; mercy; hope.

It’s not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what’s required. ― Winston Churchill — It’s not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what’s required.

If we open a quarrel between the past and the present we shall find that we have lost the future. ― Winston Churchill — If we open a quarrel between the past and the present we shall find that we have lost the future.

Without courage, all other virtues lose their meaning. ― Winston Churchill — Without courage, all other virtues lose their meaning.

24 Sir Winston Churchill Quotes to Inspire You to Never Quit in Hard Times

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. ― Winston Churchill — Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

We shall not flag or fail, we shall go on to the end. ― Winston Churchill — We shall not flag or fail, we shall go on to the end.

One always measures friendships by how they show up in bad weather. ― Winston Churchill — One always measures friendships by how they show up in bad weather.

Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. ― Winston Churchill — Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.

We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and the oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. And We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.
Winston Churchill

Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and life of the world may move forward… ― Winston Churchill — Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and life of the world may move forward…

A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. ― Winston Churchill — A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.

As long as we have faith in our own cause and an unconquerable will, victory will not be denied us. ― Winston Churchill — As long as we have faith in our own cause and an unconquerable will, victory will not be denied us.

There is no time for ease and comfort. It is time to dare and endure. ― Winston Churchill — There is no time for ease and comfort. It is time to dare and endure.

Danger gathers upon our path. We cannot afford—we have no right—to look back. We must look forward. ― Winston Churchill — Danger gathers upon our path. We cannot afford—we have no right—to look back. We must look forward.

You never can tell whether bad luck may not after all turn out to be good luck. ― Winston Churchill — You never can tell whether bad luck may not after all turn out to be good luck.

It is better to be making the news than taking it; to be an actor rather than a critic. ― Winston Churchill — It is better to be making the news than taking it; to be an actor rather than a critic.

Never yield to force, never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy. ― Winston Churchill — Never yield to force, never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.

28 Sir Winston Churchill Quotes That Will Inspire You

Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because it’s the quality which guarantees all others. ― Winston Churchill — Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because it’s the quality which guarantees all others.

If Hitler invaded hell I would make at least a favourable reference to the devil in the House of Commons. ― Winston Churchill — If Hitler invaded hell I would make at least a favourable reference to the devil in the House of Commons.

Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential. ― Winston Churchill — Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential.

Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality that guarantees all the others. ― Winston Churchill — Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality that guarantees all the others.

If we win, nobody will care. If we lose, there will be nobody to care. ― Winston Churchill — If we win, nobody will care. If we lose, there will be nobody to care.

We shall not fail or falter. We shall not weaken or tire. Neither the sudden shock of battle nor the long-drawn trials of vigilance and exertion will wear us down. ― Winston Churchill — We shall not fail or falter. We shall not weaken or tire. Neither the sudden shock of battle nor the long-drawn trials of vigilance and exertion will wear us down.

If the British Empire and its Commonwealth lasts for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour!’ ― Winston Churchill — If the British Empire and its Commonwealth lasts for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour!’

But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb. ― Winston Churchill — But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.

You will make all kinds of mistakes; but as long as you are generous and true, and also fierce, you cannot hurt the world or even seriously distress her. ― Winston Churchill — You will make all kinds of mistakes; but as long as you are generous and true, and also fierce, you cannot hurt the world or even seriously distress her.

Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.
Winston Churchill

Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision. ― Winston Churchill — Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.

I never ‘worry’ about action, but only about inaction. ― Winston Churchill — I never ‘worry’ about action, but only about inaction.

For myself I am an optimist — it does not seem to be much use being anything else. ― Winston Churchill — For myself I am an optimist — it does not seem to be much use being anything else.

What kind of a people do they (Japan) think we are? Is it possible they do not realise that we shall never cease to persevere against them until they have been taught a lesson which they and the world will never forget?
Winston Churchill

Never give in… in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. ― Winston Churchill — Never give in… in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.

Nourish your hopes, but do not overlook realities. ― Winston Churchill — Nourish your hopes, but do not overlook realities.

Solitary trees, if they grow at all, grow strong. ― Winston Churchill — Solitary trees, if they grow at all, grow strong.

It is no use saying, ‘We are doing our best.’ You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary. ― Winston Churchill — It is no use saying, ‘We are doing our best.’ You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.

Wave after wave, dark with storm, crested with foam, surged towards the harbour in which we still sheltered. Should we drive out into the teeth of the gale, or should we bide contented where we were? Yet beyond the breakers was a great hope.
Winston Churchill

What is the use of living, if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone? ― Winston Churchill — What is the use of living, if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone?

We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival. ― Winston Churchill — We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival.

Things are not always right because they are hard, but if they are right one must not mind if they are also hard. ― Winston Churchill — Things are not always right because they are hard, but if they are right one must not mind if they are also hard.

You must put your head into the lion’s mouth if the performance is to be a success. ― Winston Churchill — You must put your head into the lion’s mouth if the performance is to be a success.

The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see. ― Winston Churchill — The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.

I have never developed indigestion from eating my words. ― Winston Churchill — I have never developed indigestion from eating my words.

History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it. ― Winston Churchill — History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it.

It is a fine thing to be honest, but it is also very important to be right. ― Winston Churchill — It is a fine thing to be honest, but it is also very important to be right.

When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber. ― Winston Churchill — When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber.

Difficulties mastered are opportunities won. ― Winston Churchill — Difficulties mastered are opportunities won.

No folly is more costly than the folly of intolerant idealism. ― Winston Churchill — No folly is more costly than the folly of intolerant idealism.

It is wonderful what great strides can be made when there is a resolute purpose behind them. ― Winston Churchill — It is wonderful what great strides can be made when there is a resolute purpose behind them.

Everyone has his day, and some days last longer than others. ― Winston Churchill — Everyone has his day, and some days last longer than others.

There are a terrible lot of lies going about the world, and the worst of it is that half of them are true. ― Winston Churchill — There are a terrible lot of lies going about the world, and the worst of it is that half of them are true.

Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result. ― Winston Churchill — Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result.

I’m prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter. ― Winston Churchill — I’m prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.

One ought to be just before one is generous. ― Winston Churchill — One ought to be just before one is generous.

The problems of victory are more agreeable than those of defeat, but they are no less difficult. ― Winston Churchill — The problems of victory are more agreeable than those of defeat, but they are no less difficult.

No crime is so great as daring to excel. ― Winston Churchill — No crime is so great as daring to excel.

22 Sir Winston Churchill Quotes That Will Change Your Perspective

You must look at facts, because they look at you. ― Winston Churchill — You must look at facts, because they look at you.

It is a good thing for an uneducated man to read books of quotations. ― Winston Churchill — It is a good thing for an uneducated man to read books of quotations.

I have in my life concentrated more on self-expression than self-denial. ― Winston Churchill — I have in my life concentrated more on self-expression than self-denial.

If you have an important point to make, don’t try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. ― Winston Churchill — If you have an important point to make, don’t try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once.

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. ― Winston Churchill — Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.

To build may have to be the slow and laborious task of years. To destroy can be the thoughtless act of a single day. ― Winston Churchill — To build may have to be the slow and laborious task of years. To destroy can be the thoughtless act of a single day.

We have not journeyed all this way because we are made of sugar candy. ― Winston Churchill — We have not journeyed all this way because we are made of sugar candy.

The empires of the future are the empires of the mind. ― Winston Churchill — The empires of the future are the empires of the mind.

To be really happy and really safe, one ought to have at least two or three hobbies, and they must all be real. ― Winston Churchill — To be really happy and really safe, one ought to have at least two or three hobbies, and they must all be real.

Harsh laws are at times better than no laws at all. ― Winston Churchill — Harsh laws are at times better than no laws at all.

Vengeance is the most costly and dissipating of luxuries. ― Winston Churchill — Vengeance is the most costly and dissipating of luxuries.

In war, resolution; in defeat, defiance; in victory, magnanimity. ― Winston Churchill — In war, resolution; in defeat, defiance; in victory, magnanimity.

The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes. ― Winston Churchill — The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes.

War never pays its dividends in cash on the money it costs. ― Winston Churchill — War never pays its dividends in cash on the money it costs.

I like things to happen, and if they don’t happen I like to make them happen. ― Winston Churchill — I like things to happen, and if they don’t happen I like to make them happen.

Out of intense complexities, intense simplicities emerge. ― Winston Churchill — Out of intense complexities, intense simplicities emerge.

Nothing makes a man more reverent than a library. ― Winston Churchill — Nothing makes a man more reverent than a library.

Every man should ask himself each day whether he is not too readily accepting negative solutions. ― Winston Churchill — Every man should ask himself each day whether he is not too readily accepting negative solutions.

Personally I’m always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught. ― Winston Churchill — Personally I’m always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught.

One does not leave a convivial party before closing time. ― Winston Churchill — One does not leave a convivial party before closing time.

The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries. ― Winston Churchill — The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries.

Our inheritance of well-founded, slowly conceived codes of honor, morals and manners, the passionate convictions which so many hundreds of millions share together of the principles of freedom and justice, are far more precious to us than anything which scientific discoveries could bestow.
Winston Churchill

37 Sir Winston Churchill Quotes That Will Help You Develop Your Wisdom

Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing has happened. ― Winston Churchill — Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing has happened.

It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time. ― Winston Churchill — It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time.

Kites rise highest against the wind - not with it. ― Winston Churchill — Kites rise highest against the wind - not with it.

In a war, you can only be killed once, but in politics, many times. ― Winston Churchill — In a war, you can only be killed once, but in politics, many times.

Evils can be created much quicker than they can be cured. ― Winston Churchill — Evils can be created much quicker than they can be cured.

Politics is not a game. It is an earnest business. ― Winston Churchill — Politics is not a game. It is an earnest business.

Time and money are largely interchangeable terms. ― Winston Churchill — Time and money are largely interchangeable terms.

The whole history of the world is summed up in the fact that when nations are strong they are not always just, and when they wish to be just, they are often no longer strong. ― Winston Churchill — The whole history of the world is summed up in the fact that when nations are strong they are not always just, and when they wish to be just, they are often no longer strong.

If you destroy a free market you create a black market. ― Winston Churchill — If you destroy a free market you create a black market.

If you mean to profit, learn to please. ― Winston Churchill — If you mean to profit, learn to please.

Of course, when you are winning a war almost everything that happens can be claimed to be right and wise. ― Winston Churchill — Of course, when you are winning a war almost everything that happens can be claimed to be right and wise.

Everyone can recognize history when it happens. Everyone can recognize history after is has happened; but only the wise man knows at the moment what is vital and permanent, what is lasting and memorable. ― Winston Churchill — Everyone can recognize history when it happens. Everyone can recognize history after is has happened; but only the wise man knows at the moment what is vital and permanent, what is lasting and memorable.

The first duty of the university is to teach wisdom, not a trade; character, not technicalities. ― Winston Churchill — The first duty of the university is to teach wisdom, not a trade; character, not technicalities.

All I can say is that I have taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me. ― Winston Churchill — All I can say is that I have taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me.

I may be drunk Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly. ― Winston Churchill — I may be drunk Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly.

Tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that they look forward to the trip. ― Winston Churchill — Tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that they look forward to the trip.

We must beware of needless innovation, especially when guided by logic. ― Winston Churchill — We must beware of needless innovation, especially when guided by logic.

Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. ― Winston Churchill — Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.

A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on. ― Winston Churchill — A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.

War is very cruel. It goes on for so long. ― Winston Churchill — War is very cruel. It goes on for so long.

Broadly speaking short words are best and the old words when short, are best of all. ― Winston Churchill — Broadly speaking short words are best and the old words when short, are best of all.

You cannot cure cancer by a majority. ― Winston Churchill — You cannot cure cancer by a majority.

The Americans will always do the right thing… after they’ve exhausted all the alternatives. ― Winston Churchill — The Americans will always do the right thing… after they’ve exhausted all the alternatives.

We contend that for a nation to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. ― Winston Churchill — We contend that for a nation to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.

An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile – hoping it will eat him last. ― Winston Churchill — An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile – hoping it will eat him last.

It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried. ― Winston Churchill — It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried.

It is no part of my case that I am always right. ― Winston Churchill — It is no part of my case that I am always right.

Those who can win a war well can rarely make a good peace, and those who could make a good peace would never have won the war. ― Winston Churchill — Those who can win a war well can rarely make a good peace, and those who could make a good peace would never have won the war.

In finance, everything that is agreeable is unsound and everything that is sound is disagreeable. ― Winston Churchill — In finance, everything that is agreeable is unsound and everything that is sound is disagreeable.

Don’t interrupt me while I’m interrupting. ― Winston Churchill — Don’t interrupt me while I’m interrupting.

Never hold discussions with the monkey when the organ grinder is in the room. ― Winston Churchill — Never hold discussions with the monkey when the organ grinder is in the room.

Plans are of little importance, but planning is essential. ― Winston Churchill — Plans are of little importance, but planning is essential.

We shape our dwellings, and afterwards our dwellings shape us. ― Winston Churchill — We shape our dwellings, and afterwards our dwellings shape us.

Some see private enterprise as a predatory target to be shot, others as a cow to be milked, but few are those who see it as a sturdy horse pulling the wagon. ― Winston Churchill — Some see private enterprise as a predatory target to be shot, others as a cow to be milked, but few are those who see it as a sturdy horse pulling the wagon.

My most brilliant achievement was my ability to persuade my wife to marry me. ― Winston Churchill — My most brilliant achievement was my ability to persuade my wife to marry me.

When you have to kill a man, it costs nothing to be polite. ― Winston Churchill — When you have to kill a man, it costs nothing to be polite.

I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals. ― Winston Churchill — I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.