Never never

Winston Churchill, the famous British Prime Minister of the Second World War period was known for his stirring speeches that rallied a nation in its darkest hour. It was not surprising when, after the war, he was invited to address various graduations and speech day ceremonies at some of the prestigious universities and schools in Britain and the US. At one American university he was invited to address an expectant crowd of students and their families. The dean gave a long speech welcoming the great man and citing his accomplishments. They readied themselves, as you do, for a long speech. Winston left his chair, stood at the lectern and said just this: "Never give up. Never, ever, give up"; and then sat down, to the shock of those on the podium and no doubt to the delight of the students, who never forgot this speech.

It's an inspiring message, but why should you "never give up" in life? Sir Winston's message was one that he had himself embodied. He had persisted through a long career with more downs than ups to attain the highest office in the government; and had then persisted in the belief that the war could be won when the bombs were falling on London and the people were hiding like rats beneath the ground. At the heart of his message was an exceptional self-belief that had carried him throughout his life and brought him personal success and a place in history.

But self-belief is not enough, not for a real hope that things will work out in the end, and that good will triumph over evil. Even Churchill, who was an exceptional person and had some exceptional good luck, could not stave off the bitterness of his later years. Hope, in the end, if it is in something as flaky as the self, will surely disappoint...