“In war, you can only be killed once, but in politics, many times.”
- 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
table of contents
Quote
“In war, you can only be killed once, but in politics, many times.”
Explanation
In this quote, Winston Churchill draws a sharp contrast between the finality of death in war and the repeated setbacks and defeats that one can experience in the world of politics. In war, a soldier can only be killed once, marking the end of their involvement, but in politics, a politician can be metaphorically “killed” multiple times through defeat, disgrace, or loss of public support, often without the same kind of finality as in warfare. The “killing” in politics represents the difficulties and challenges faced by politicians—whether through personal attacks, loss of power, or public criticism—that can tarnish their reputation and career time and again.
Churchill, known for his resilience and political savvy, was intimately familiar with the ups and downs of political life. He experienced significant political defeats, such as being ousted from office in the 1930s, only to later make a dramatic return as Prime Minister during World War II. His quote reflects the brutality and precariousness of political life, where setbacks are part of the game, and a politician must be prepared for repeated challenges to their authority and reputation.
In a broader sense, this quote speaks to the vulnerability and uncertainty of political careers, where the consequences of failure or public disapproval can be severe and persistent. It highlights the resilience needed to endure these setbacks, as well as the mental toughness required to rise above them and continue pursuing one’s goals in the political arena. Churchill’s words are a reminder that success in politics often comes from the ability to overcome repeated defeats and maintain focus on the long-term objectives.
