“Some people did not like this ceremonial style. But after all when you have to kill a man it costs nothing to be polite.”
Winston Churchill
Churchill reflecting on his courteous letter to the Japanese Ambassador, formally declaring that a state of war existed between Britain and Japan.
The Second World War (Primary source)
Churchill’s six-volume memoir and history of World War II, chronicling his leadership as Britain’s wartime Prime Minister. Combining personal experience with strategic analysis, it covers major battles, diplomatic negotiations, and key decisions that shaped Allied victory. The work earned Churchill the Nobel Prize in Literature.
More about “The Second World War” →
“You do your worst—and we will do our best.”
— Winston Churchill Primary source“Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.”
— Winston Churchill Primary source“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 Primary source“I fight for my corner. I leave when the pub closes.”
— Winston Churchill Secondary sourceMore quotes by Winston Churchill →
“If a man owns land, the land owns him.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson Primary source“No man ever was glorious who was not laborious.”
— Benjamin Franklin Primary source“Threats alone are the weapons of the threatened man.”
— Leonardo da Vinci Primary source“But man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”
— Ernest Hemingway Primary sourceWorld War II War Killing Politeness Humor Gentleman Manner