“If the Almighty were to rebuild the world and asked me for advice, I would have English Channels round every country. And the atmosphere would be such that anything which attempted to fly would be set on fire.”
- November 30, 1874 – January 24, 1965
- British
- Politician, army officer, writer
- As British Prime Minister during World War II, he led the Allied powers to victory
Quote
“If the Almighty were to rebuild the world and asked me for advice, I would have English Channels round every country. And the atmosphere would be such that anything which attempted to fly would be set on fire.”
Explanation
In this quote, Winston Churchill humorously expresses his deep affection for England and his desire to ensure its security and independence. By suggesting the creation of English Channels—the body of water that separates Britain from mainland Europe—around every country, Churchill is emphasizing the isolation that would protect nations from outside interference. The second part of the quote, where the atmosphere would be such that anything attempting to fly would be set on fire, humorously illustrates his mistrust of foreign threats, especially from the air. This comment reflects his war-time mindset during World War II, when Britain faced the threat of German air raids and the importance of controlling the skies was paramount.
The quote is both playful and provocative, using exaggeration to convey Churchill’s patriotism and his focus on the security of his homeland. It also highlights the strategic value of natural barriers like the English Channel, which had historically been a key factor in Britain’s defense.
In a broader sense, the quote speaks to the importance of security and self-preservation in national policy, but it also reflects the humor Churchill often used to make a serious point. By imagining such a fantastical scenario, Churchill underscores his belief that the protection of one’s country and sovereignty should always be a priority—though the extreme nature of his suggestion reflects his wit and the desire to shield his nation from any form of foreign domination.
