125 Famous Winston Churchill Quotes

Accompanying his signature top hat and frown, Winston Churchill quotes are well-known, and many have his characteristic droll humor. Churchill (1874-1965) was the indomitable British politician who was prime minister during World War II and from 1951 to 1955. He worked with Franklin D. Roosevelt and Joseph Stalin on Allied strategy, and after the war he focused on the threat of the expanding Soviet Union. He returned to the head of Conservative power in England in 1951 until he was forced to resign because of health issues in 1955.

These Winston Churchill quotes show his personality, flair, and philosophy. Use them to celebrate Winston Churchill Day on April 9 or any day that you want to make more colorful.

Quotes From Winston Churchill’s Speeches

We shall go forward together. The road upwards is stony. There are upon our journey dark and dangerous valleys through which we have to make and fight our way. But it is sure and certain that if we persevere—and we shall persevere—we shall come through these dark and dangerous valleys into a sunlight broader and more genial and more lasting than mankind has ever known. -Winston Churchill

Do not let us speak of darker days; let us speak rather of sterner days. These are not dark days: these are great days—the greatest days our country has ever lived; and we must all thank God that we have been allowed, each of us according to our stations, to play a part in making these days memorable in the history of our race. -Winston Churchill

I owe my advancement entirely to the House of Commons, whose servant I am. In my country, as in yours, public men are proud to be the servants of the state and would be ashamed to be its masters. -Winston Churchill

I submit respectfully to the House as a general principle that our responsibility in this matter is directly proportionate to our power. Where there is great power there is great responsibility, where there is less power there is less responsibility, and where there is no power there can, I think, be no responsibility. -Winston Churchill

It was the nation and the race dwelling all round the globe that had the lion’s heart. I had the luck to be called upon to give the roar. I also hope that I sometimes suggested to the lion the right place to use his claws. -Winston Churchill

The mood of Britain is wisely and rightly averse from every form of shallow or premature exultation. This is no time for boasts or glowing prophecies, but there is this—a year ago our position looked forlorn, and well nigh desperate, to all eyes but our own. Today we may say aloud before an awe-struck world, “We are still masters of our fate. We still are captain of our souls.” -Winston Churchill

You do your worst and we will do our best. -Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill Quotes About War

Fighting is vigorously proceeding, and we shall see who can stand the bucketing best—Briton or Boer. -Winston Churchill

We are waiting for the long-promised invasion. So are the fishes. -Winston Churchill

The stations of uncensored expression are closing down; the lights are going out; but there is still time for those to whom freedom and parliamentary government mean something, to consult together. Let me, then, speak in truth and earnestness while time remains. -Winston Churchill

Bearing ourselves humbly before God … we await undismayed the impending assault … be the ordeal sharp or long, or both, we shall seek no terms, we shall tolerate no parlay; we may show mercy—we shall ask for none. -Winston Churchill

In war-time, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies. -Winston Churchill

It may also be said that rational, industrious, useful human beings are divided into two classes: first, those whose work is work and whose pleasure is pleasure; and secondly, those whose work and pleasure are one. -Winston Churchill

The salvation of the common people of every race and of every land from war or servitude must be established on solid foundations and must be guarded by the readiness of all men and women to die rather than submit to tyranny. -Winston Churchill

Most wars in history have been avoided simply by postponing them. -Winston Churchill

In war as in life, it is often necessary when some cherished scheme has failed, to take up the best alternative open, and if so, it is folly not to work for it with all your might. -Winston Churchill

You were given the choice between war and dishonor. You chose dishonor and you will have war. -Winston Churchill

It may seem strange that a great advance in the world in industry, in controls of all kinds, should be made in time of war. … War has taught us to make these vast strides forward towards a far more complete equalisation of the parts to be played by men and women in society. -Winston Churchill

In defeat unbeatable: in victory unbearable. -Winston Churchill of Lord Montgomery

Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because as has been said, it is the quality which guarantees all others. -Winston Churchill

In war: resolution. In defeat: defiance. In victory: magnanimity. In peace: goodwill. -Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill Quotes About History

Want of foresight, unwillingness to act when action would be simple and effective, lack of clear thinking, confusion of counsel until the emergency comes, until self-preservation strikes its jarring gong—these are the features which constitute the endless repetition of history. -Winston Churchill

There is a jocular saying: ‘To improve is to change; to be perfect is to have changed often.’ I had to use that once or twice in my long career. -Winston Churchill

Here is the answer which I will give to President Roosevelt: Put your confidence in us. … 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. Give us the tools and we will finish the job. -Winston Churchill

In the past we have had a light which flickered, in the present we have a light which flames, and in the future there will be a light which shines over all the land and sea. -Winston Churchill

One day President Roosevelt told me that he was asking publicly for suggestions about what the war should be called. I said at once ‘The Unnecessary War.’ -Winston Churchill

You are a small exclamation mark at the end of a very long and insignificant sentence in the book of history. -Winston Churchill

By noon it was clear that the Socialists would have a majority. At luncheon my wife said to me, ‘It may well be a blessing in disguise.’ I replied, ‘At the moment it seems quite effectively disguised.’ -Winston Churchill

We must all turn our backs upon the horrors of the past. We must look to the future. We cannot afford to drag forward cross the years that are to come the hatreds and revenges which have sprung from the injuries of the past. -Winston Churchill

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

The era of procrastination, of half-measures, of soothing and baffling expedients, of delays is coming to its close. In its place we are entering a period of consequences. -Winston Churchill

The right to guide the course of world history is the noblest prize of victory. -Winston Churchill

We are still toiling up the hill; we have not yet reached the crest-line of it; we cannot survey the landscape or even imagine what its condition will be when that longed-for morning comes. -Winston Churchill

The task which lies before us immediately is at once practical, more simple, and more stern. -Winston Churchill

I hope—indeed I pray—that we shall not be found unworthy of our victory if after toil and tribulation it is granted to us. For the rest, we have to gain the victory. That is our task. -Winston Churchill

For my part, I consider that it will be found much better by all Parties to leave the past to history, especially as I propose to write that history myself. -Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill Quotes About World War II

A monster of wickedness, insatiable in his lust for blood and plunder … this bloodthirsty guttersnipe. -Winston Churchill on Adolf Hitler

Dictators ride to and fro upon tigers which they dare not dismount. And the tigers are getting hungry. -Winston Churchill

I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. -Winston Churchill

What is our policy? … to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. -Winston Churchill

What is our aim? … Victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror; victory, however long and hard the road may be. -Winston Churchill

Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duty, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth lasts for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour.’ -Winston Churchill

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

One may dislike Hitler’s system and yet admire his patriotic achievement. If our country were defeated, I hope we should find a champion as indomitable to restore our courage and lead us back to our place among the nations. -Winston Churchill

Side by side … the British and French peoples have advanced to rescue … mankind from the foulest and most soul-destroying tyranny which has ever darkened and stained the pages of history. -Winston Churchill

The long night of barbarism will descend, unbroken even by a star of hope, unless we conquer, as conquer we must; as conquer we shall. -Winston Churchill

Their horse cavalry, of which they had twelve brigades, charged valiantly against the swarming tanks and armoured cars but could not harm them with their swords and lances. -Winston Churchill on the Polish defense against Germany

Here’s to 1942, here’s to a year of toil—a year of struggle and peril, and a long step forward towards victory. May we all come through safe and with honour. -Winston Churchill

The whole map of Europe has been changed … but as the deluge subsides and the waters fall short, we see the dreary steeples of Fermanagh and Tyrone emerging once again. -Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill Quotes on Politics and Government

The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings. The inherent virtue of Socialism is the equal sharing of miseries. -Winston Churchill

[Magna Carta provided] a system of checks and balances which would accord the monarchy its necessary strength, but would prevent its perversion by a tyrant or a fool. -Winston Churchill

If the human race wishes to have a prolonged and indefinite period of material prosperity, they have only got to behave in a peaceful and helpful way toward one another. -Winston Churchill

Our fight is hard. It will also be long. … But win or lose, we must do our duty. If the British people are to lose their Indian Empire, they shall do so with their eyes open. -Winston Churchill

Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time. -Winston Churchill

In politics when you are in doubt what to do, do nothing … when you are in doubt what to say, say what you really think. -Winston Churchill

How can I accept the Order of the Garter, when the people of England have just given me the Order of the Boot? -Winston Churchill

Statesmen are not called upon only to settle easy questions. These often settle themselves. It is where the balance quivers, and the proportions are veiled in mist, that the opportunity for world-saving decisions presents itself. -Winston Churchill

[The Government] go on in strange paradox, decided only to be undecided, resolved to be irresolute, adamant for drift, solid for fluidity, all powerful to be impotent. -Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill Quotes on Determination

We shall go forward together. -Winston Churchill

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

We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be … we shall never surrender. -Winston Churchill

It is always an error in diplomacy to press a matter when it is quite clear that no further progress is to be made. -Winston Churchill

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

I felt as if I was walking with destiny, and that all my past life had been but a preparation for this hour and this trial. -Winston Churchill

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. -Winston Churchill

When I warned them [the French Government] that Britain would fight on alone whatever they did, their generals told their Prime Minister and his divided Cabinet, ‘In three weeks England will have her neck wrung like a chicken.’ Some chicken! Some neck! -Winston Churchill

Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy. -Winston Churchill

Philosophical Winston Churchill Quotes

The empires of the future are the empires of the mind. -Winston Churchill

For a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. -Winston Churchill

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. -Winston Churchill

United wishes and good will cannot overcome brute facts. … Truth is incontrovertible. Panic may resent it. Ignorance may deride it. Malice may distort it. But there it is. -Winston Churchill

Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities, because, as has been said, ‘it is the quality which guarantees all others.’ -Winston Churchill

The Dark Ages may return on the gleaming wings of Science. -Winston Churchill

I accumulated in those years so fine a surplus in the Book of Observance that I have been drawing confidently upon it ever since. -Winston Churchill

We must all turn our backs upon the horrors of the past. We must look to the future. We cannot afford to drag forward cross the years that are to come the hatreds and revenges which have sprung from the injuries of the past. -Winston Churchill

We shall escape the absurdity of growing a whole chicken in order to eat the breast or wing, by growing these parts separately under a suitable medium. -Winston Churchill

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

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

I decline utterly to be impartial as between the fire brigade and the fire. -Winston Churchill

Let me have the best solution worked out. Don’t argue the matter. The difficulties will argue for themselves. -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. -Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill Quotes About People

A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject. -Winston Churchill

There are men in the world who derive as stern an exaltation from the proximity of disaster and ruin, as others from success. -Winston Churchill

We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us. -Winston Churchill

Saving is a very fine thing. Especially when your parents have done it for you. -Winston Churchill

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

He is one of those orators of whom it was well said, ‘Before they get up, they do not know what they are going to say; when they are speaking, they do not know what they are saying; and when they have sat down, they do not know what they have said.’ -Winston Churchill of Lord Charles Beresford

Personal Winston Churchill Quotes

She shone for me like the Evening Star. I loved her dearly—but at a distance. -Winston Churchill about his mother

I have consistently urged my friends to abstain from reading it. -Winston Churchill on his only novel, Savrola

I felt as if I were walking with destiny, and that all my past life had been but a preparation for this hour and for this trial. -Winston Churchill

I still have the ideas, Walter, but I can’t find the words to clothe them. -Winston Churchill

When I make a statement of facts within my knowledge, I expect it to be accepted. -Winston Churchill

When I look back on all these worries I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened. -Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill Quotes on Civilization

Fancy cutting down all those beautiful trees … to make pulp for those bloody newspapers, and calling it civilization. -Winston Churchill

That long [Canadian] frontier from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans, guarded only by neighborly respect and honorable obligations, is an example to every country and a pattern for the future of the world. -Winston Churchill

I confess myself to be a great admirer of tradition. The longer you can look back, the farther you can look forward. -Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill Quotes on Education and Progress

Headmasters have powers at their disposal with which Prime Ministers have never yet been invested. -Winston Churchill

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

Certainly the prolonged education indispensable to the progress of Society is not natural to mankind. It cuts against the grain. -Winston Churchill

I should have liked to be asked to say what I knew. They always tried to ask what I did not know. When I would have willingly displayed my knowledge, they sought to expose my ignorance. This sort of treatment had only one result: I did not do well in examinations. -Winston Churchill

A boy would like to follow his father in pursuit of food or prey. He would like to be doing serviceable things so far as his utmost strength allowed. He would like to be earning wages however small to help to keep up the home. … And then perhaps in the evenings a real love of learning would come to those who are worthy … and knowledge and thought would open the “magic casements” of the mind. -Winston Churchill

Unteachable from infancy to tomb—there is the first and main characteristics of mankind. -Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill’s Most Colorful Quotes

The picture rises before us vivid and bright: the finely carved, dragon-shaped prow; the high, curving stern; the long row of shields, black and yellow alternately, ranged along the sides; the gleam of steel; the scent of murder. -Winston Churchill on the Viking long ships

I cannot pretend to feel impartial about the colours. I rejoice with the brilliant ones, and am genuinely sorry for the poor browns. When I get to heaven I mean to spend a considerable portion of my first million years in painting, and so get to the bottom of the subject. But then I shall require a still gayer palette than I get here below. -Winston Churchill on painting

The portrait is a remarkable example of modern art. It certainly combines force and candour. -Winston Churchill

Do not turn the superior eye of critical passivity upon these efforts. … We must not be ambitious. We cannot aspire to masterpieces. We may content ourselves with a joy ride in a paint-box. -Winston Churchill

The object of presenting medals, stars, and ribbons is to give pride and pleasure to those who have deserved them. At the same time a distinction is something which everybody does not possess. If all have it, it is of less value. … A medal glitters, but it also casts a shadow. -Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill Quotes About Technology, Science, and Progress

It is arguable whether the human race have been gainers by the march of science beyond the steam engine. Electricity opens a field of infinite conveniences to ever greater numbers, but they may well have to pay dearly for them. … Still more must we fear the consequences of entrusting to a human race so little different from their predecessors of the so-called barbarous ages such awful agencies as the atomic bomb. Give me the horse. -Winston Churchill

The greatest tie of all is language. … Words are the only things that last forever.  -Winston Churchill

The most tremendous monuments or prodigies of engineering crumble under the hand of Time. The Pyramids moulder, the bridges rust, the canals fill up, grass covers the railway track; but words spoken two or three thousand years ago remain with us now, not as mere relics of the past, but with all their pristine vital force. -Winston Churchill

The television has come to take its place in the world; as a rather old-fashioned person I have not been one of its principal champions, but I don’t think it needs any champion. I think it can make its own way and I think it’s a wonderful thing indeed to think that every expression on my face at this moment may be viewed by millions of people throughout the United States. -Winston Churchill

More Winston Churchill Quotes

The tired parts of the mind can be rested and strengthened not merely by rest, but by using other parts. -Winston Churchill

When the mouse is away the cats might play. -Winston Churchill

I think “No Comment” is a splendid expression. I am using it again and again. -Winston Churchill

I do think unpunctuality is a vile habit, and all my life I have tried to break myself of it. -Winston Churchill

I cannot but think we have much to be thankful for, and more still to hope for in the future. -Winston Churchill

We are the masters of the unsaid words, but slaves of those we let slip out. -Winston Churchill

It is better to be both right and consistent. But if you have to choose—you must choose to be right. -Winston Churchill

Anyone can rat, but it takes a certain amount of ingenuity to re-rat. -Winston Churchill

We are all worms. -Winston Churchill

A gentleman does not have a ham sandwich without mustard. -Winston Churchill

Sometimes when Fortune scowls most spitefully, she is preparing her most dazzling gifts. -Winston Churchill

Action this day. -Winston Churchill

Enjoy these Winston Churchill quotes? Check out these Abraham Lincoln Quotes too.

Plus, get all the latest teaching tips and ideas when you subscribe to our free newsletters!