Winston Churchill

From “The Greats” to you,

Happy Friday.

This week, we’re just going to jump right into it.

Thank you and enjoy this weeks edition of “The Greats”.

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As I was thinking through this week’s newsletter, I thought of Winston Churchill.

If you’re unfamiliar, Churchill was the Prime Minister to Great Britain.

“The Lion", who led the United Kingdom to a victory alongside the Allied Powers during the Second World War.

Churchill is most revered for his public speaking, considered by many historians as one of the greatest speakers of his time.

Many are familiar with Churchill, fewer are familiar with his speeches.

Speeches such as “The Finest Hour”:

“Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duty and so bear ourselves that if the British Commonwealth and Empire lasts for a thousand years men will still say, 'this was their finest hour'.” - Winston Churchill, House of Commons, 18 June 1940

While the wrath of war raged on, Churchill’s words pierced through its horrors and inspired courage to an entire nation.

His voice roared as louder than the thunder of bomb shells and screams of machine gun fire.

A voice that once couldn’t mutter a word.

When Churchill was just a young lad, he had a stutter.

Attending Harrow - one of the oldest and most prestigious independent boarding schools for boys in the United Kingdom - Churchill threw himself in the deep end.

Around the age of 13, Churchill became involved in the debate society.

His first speech... a disaster.

The setback only made him more resolute.

His secret weapon?

Relentless practice.

Every word, every pause, was rehearsed until perfect.

With each speech, he wrestled his impediment into submission.

Despite these challenges, young Churchill found solace in the written word, demonstrating an uncanny ability to express himself.

He went on to become a war correspondent in South Africa during the Boer War.

Then in the early 1900s, entered into politics.

In the 1930s, Churchill found himself politically isolated, his warnings about the threat posed by Nazi Germany largely ignored.

Yet, his tenacity never wavered.

As Europe darkened under the shadow of impending war, it was Churchill who was called upon to lead Britain.

He accepted the role of Prime Minister in 1940, his resolve echoing in his words, "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat."

Churchills speeches were a lighthouse in a raging storm.

A battle cry for a nation's survival.

His words pierced through chaos and transformed despair into a blazing resistance.

If you remember anything from his message, remember this.

Your words are powerful beyond measure...

...if you know how to wield them.

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Happy Friday — until next time.