Never Give In -Winston S Churchill: Lesson Summary

Churchill came to the Head Master's invitation almost a year ago to sing some of their songs and cheer himself and his friends. During that time, catastrophic events, difficulties, and misfortunes occurred in the world. He recalled that when he was last there, they were alone and desperate with little arms. But now they were better armed and had suffered the enemy's air attack. He expected them to be impatient about the long pause, with nothing happening.

Churchill mentioned that both quickness and decisiveness, as well as slowness and resoluteness, were important to learn. He further stated that the British were usually better at the latter. He said that they should not expect to constantly move from one crisis to another. However, when they make up their minds to do something, they will, even if it takes a long time. Lastly, he pointed out that we should not let appearances deceive us and should treat triumph and disaster equally.

Churchill  went on to say that one could not judge by appearances. He stated that imagination could make things seem worse, but without it, not much could be done. He thought that those with imagination saw more dangers, but they also needed courage. He proposed to never give in, except in cases of honour and good sense, and never yield to the enemy.

Churchill  informed a year ago that Britain had been alone and assumed their account was closed. He further said that people thought their traditions, songs, and school history had been destroyed. However, he opined the mood was now much different, as Britain had not given up but had stood in the gap and persevered. He cited they had sung a school song, and he wanted to alter one line in it which was: "Not less we praise in darker days". Churchill asked to change "darker" to "sterner". Because he thought that these were not dark days, but great days and the greatest days the country had ever lived. Finally, he said they should be thankful for the chance to make these days memorable.