I’d like to share one of the stories I read in a new book called “Inner Mastery, Outer Impact, by Hitendra Wadhwa.
Love him, or hate him (after all, he fire-bombed German cities), Western Civilization likely owes a great deal to WC.
Winston Churchill always sought to be in the middle of the action. He was keen to participate in every battle Britain fought in his life- time, if not as part of the military, then as a journalist covering the action or as a leader commanding the course of the war. At the age of twenty-one, he traveled to Cuba to observe its war of independence, and then he joined with Spanish troops to suppress independence fighters. Two years later, he was at it again, participating in battles in northwest India. He used his contacts with the British prime minister to get assigned to a war in Egypt and then in Sudan. He once gave skin from his arm for a graft for an injured officer—talk about having skin in the game.
Later he participated in the Boer Wars in South Africa, where he was caught by the enemies and became a prisoner of war, only to plot and execute his own escape. During World War I, he was a cabinet minister in charge of the British navy. He resigned this position after a disastrous battle in Gallipoli, Turkey. So what did he do next? Join the army as a major and proceed to the battlefront.
Now imagine Churchill, a man of action, doing his final act. It is the year 1955. With age catching up to him, he has announced his resignation as prime minister and has been asked to deliver some parting words of guidance to his colleagues in Parliament. This is his opportunity to impart whatever wisdom he has learned over his long lifetime. What would you say if you were Churchill?
With the carriage waiting outside to whisk him away from the theater of public life where he had played a front-stage role for over half a century, Churchill’s message was this: “Man is spirit.”
“I believe that man is an immortal spirit,” Churchill said. This led Anthony Montague Browne, his last private secretary, to declare him “an optimistic agnostic.” Churchill continued: “Whether you believe or disbelieve, it is a wicked thing to take away Man’s hope.”
This is a remarkable statement. Notice the word “spirit.” Spirit is what lies beyond our senses, thoughts, and feelings. Spirit is pure. Spirit is tranquil. Spirit is in harmony with the truth. And Churchill is telling his colleagues that this is the essence of humanity—your true self, or what I am calling your Inner Core.
Now notice the word “man.” Churchill is not focusing on himself, or his colleagues, or the British people, or their allies. He has chosen a word that embraces all humanity in its sweep (for in his time, the word “man” was commonly used to denote humankind). By telling his colleagues that they are spirit, he is urging them to seek out their essence. By instructing them that all people are spirit, he is encouraging them to see the essence in everyone.
Finally, notice the word “is.” Churchill is not saying “You will become,” or “You can become.” You are already spirit. (-end of book report:)
As an author, I know how much others appreciate direct sales versus Amazon taking a huge cut, so consider buying Hitendra’s book directly here, if you do:
Bonus:
Excellent article on WC “Human choice and sublime responsibility”
Human choice and sublime responsibility
Bonus 2:
Churchill was famous for his quick wit and biting zingers.
Here are a few choice ones:
"If I were married to you, I'd drink it."
Responding to a comment from Nancy Astor, who said to Churchill: "If I were married to you, I'd put poison in your coffee."
“But tomorrow I shall be sober and you will still be disgustingly ugly."
Hitting back at female MP Bessie Braddock who said to Churchill: "Winston, you are drunk, and what's more you are disgustingly drunk."
Faint Praise:
"A modest man, who has much to be modest about."
Upon being asked about the Labour Prime Minister Clement Attlee.
"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.”
V for Victory
Great post, I’m a Churchill fan from way back .. will share far and wide ..
I am not going to feed any crocodiles!!