“This report, by its very length, defends itself against the risk of being read.”
- 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
“This report, by its very length, defends itself against the risk of being read.”
Explanation
In this witty quote, Winston Churchill humorously critiques a report or document that is so long and tedious that its length alone acts as a barrier to its being read or thoroughly examined. The quote reflects his sharp sense of humor and irony, implying that instead of providing a succinct and impactful message, the report has become so overly detailed and unnecessarily complex that it essentially defeats its own purpose by discouraging engagement. The excessive length makes it likely that no one will actually take the time to read and absorb the content.
Churchill was known for his efficiency and clarity, particularly in his speeches and writings. He valued direct communication and was often critical of bureaucratic inefficiency, which he believed could overwhelm people with superfluous information instead of focusing on the essence of the message. This quote may also reflect his frustration with reports or documents that were bogged down in detail and jargon, making them unnecessarily difficult to engage with.
In modern contexts, this quote serves as a reminder about the value of concise communication. Whether in business, politics, or personal interactions, it’s important to focus on delivering clear, impactful messages rather than burying key points under layers of unnecessary information. Churchill’s words remind us that in an age of information overload, the ability to distill ideas into digestible, focused content is often the most effective approach.
