Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Never, ever, ever, ever...

On October 29, 1941, United Kingdom (Great Britain) Prime Minister Winston Churchill visited Harrow School to to hear the traditional songs he had sung there as a youth, as well as to speak to the students. This became one of his most quoted speeches, due to distortions that evolved about what he actually said.

The myth is that Churchill stood before the students and said, "Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, give in. Never give in. Never give in. Never give in." Then he sat down. In reality, he made a complete speech that included words similar to what are often quoted.


There is a part of me that thinks these words could not be more perfect. However, the other part thinks that giving in can sometimes be the best and most freeing thing.

What should one do? Should you always stick to your guns and never back down? Or, do you open yourself up to something other than what you always stood firm on and allow for a new reality to set in?

2 comments:

Amandasaurus said...

I think you should always be open, that is, that you should always listen to other ideas and consider them. Most importantly you have to reflect on your own ideas and figure out why you believe them/if they really hold up. I do think it's important to hold on to a few convictions throughout your days, but I don't think it's possible to live a fully contented life if you are completely closed to revisions of the guns you stick to.

e said...

It depends on the situation of course, but I think you learn new things about yourself when you do give in especially when it involves love.

Great post :)