Winston Churchill - Essay Example

?Introduction Winston Churchill was one of the most influential people of the 20th century, perhaps even the most influential. His energy, his will and dedication contributed, to a considerable degree, to the fact that European democracies managed to resist and finally defeat the brutal aggression of National Socialists and Fascists in World War II. Not least because of Churchill’s fighting spirit European countries remained free and open societies, which have taken the steps toward unity later on. Throughout his life - in mature years, occupying major posts, and early in life - when he was a schoolboy or soldier, Winston Churchill left no one indifferent. His personality of a self-confident, short-tempered man with a rich imagination and kind heart, his pugnacious, combative and sensual, at the same time, character allowed him finally to achieve the outstanding success. Churchill always remained true to his principles, never receded. He did not doubt his decisions and his personal way of decision-making; he was not afraid to step over political correctness or even insult or offend someone for country’s good. A matchless politician, persuasive public speaker, creative writer and memoirist, Winston Churchill was a complex character with its very strong points, but with very evident, pronounced weaknesses. Even his virulent critics acknowledge that he diligently served England and is one of the greatest sons of the Albion. He became a legend and role model, as such values as supreme patriotism and professionalism highly prized. Life Journey Winston Churchill’s long life began in 1874, in the Victorian era, when the British Empire was at the height of its power, and ended in 1965, when mankind was threatened by the race of atomic weapons during the Cold War, the first humans visited space and jets flew over the Atlantic Ocean. Through nine decades of his life, Churchill saw a dramatic change in all spheres of English and world life. Though, at heart, he remained an aristocrat, that did not prevent him from being a staunch supporter of democracy, a man of his time, a man who always looked out into the future, welcomed new trends and used new technological advances. Defects and shortcomings, recognized by Churchill in childhood, gave reasons to doubt that he would be able to make a career in the future. All the major posts require perfect intellect, diction, eloquence and ability to speak in public, in other words – everything William had not at that time. Churchill began working on his speech early and tried to fill the gaps in education. Self was the main reservoir of strengths to Churchill. Constant development, improvement without changing key life principles became his life philosophy. To follow the “principles of Churchill” means to find your own way, learn from other people, but no not imitate them. Churchill liked when someone inspired him, just as he liked to inspire and carry over the others. To declare identity fully, all its dimensions, and in accordance with what you want to achieve in life – that’s what makes the example of Churchill relevant at all times. As I mentioned, Churchill was not an ideal man, he had a lot of imperfections. He was not tall and his face, even in my childhood, was far from being appealing. His look confused with its self-confidence. His skin was loose and pale. In addition, he always dressed and walked like an old man. He walked though vigorously, but somehow hunched, with a neck deep in shoulders. But the most obvious defect and disadvantage, besides poor schooling and lack of higher education, which put in question his aspirations for a significant social role in future, was his allolalia. Churchill spoke through his nose and was unable to pronounce correctly the letter “s”. His speech had a noticeable tendency to stuttering also. Experts argue whether Churchill was actually a stutterer (Roberts 27). Some believe that he sometimes resorted to stuttering at the beginning of speeches as to an artistic trick just to surprise listeners. Others say that he, without any doubts, was a stutterer and overcame this abnormality due to hard work. Speech defects were worsened by the fact that Churchill did not have a sonorous or expressive voice. It was, as records prove, relatively weak and inarticulate. Churchill looked for professionals who were supposed to help him first and foremost with riddance of murmuring. He even thought about a surgery at one time. But, eventually, he settled on continuous drills and exercises. To become a master of oratory, he studied the speeches of famous public speakers like Pitt, Gladstone, Disraeli and Cromwell. He fully memorized his father’s speeches. Churchill not only worked through a content and construction of a speech, its inner drama, but closely studied speakers’ demeanor and poise also. He practiced for hours in front of a mirror - gestures and facial expressions, attempting thus to learn how to stay confident and overcome his intense fear of public speaking. In fact, Churchill had to work hard constantly not to lose his nerve. He liked to deliver speeches, although crowded audiences led him to panic attacks. That panic appeared not only because of the common fears to fail and concerns not to arouse listening public’s interest – Churchill always intensified it with high demands on himself (Lambakis 34). So, it was not an inborn, unschooled talent that made Churchill an outstanding orator, although he had certain abilities of course. First and foremost it was his incredible ambitions and industriousness due to which he developed his potential. Churchill became interested in languages in Harrow. His was always elated by witty rhetorical twists and word play. He constantly enriched his vocabulary and proudly used in his everyday speaking quotations from the Bible and Shakespeare. By means of this, he managed not only to gain the attention of the audience, but also build such vivid sentences and phrases that they lived through decades as quotes. Military service was a staring shot for him, a signal that it was time to take his life into his own hands. Enthusiastically engaged in rhetoric, Churchill killed two birds with one stone: he began to cope with his speech impediment (he did not get rid of lisp anyway) and acquired a powerful tool to satisfy his political ambitions. Besides, studying the speeches of famous orators, he deeply improved his knowledge of history. Churchill was fascinated by the brainwork of the author of historical works. He was attracted by the different interpretations of events; he was looking for them really. His self-education Churchill subordinated to only one goal - to become a prominent politician. So, he did not attribute much importance to memorization of dates and facts; much more important was to learn to think, search into the essence of events, recognize relationship between them and develop the ability to react quickly and appropriately. With his further self-study, own, very individual career, he proved that one does not have to go to Harvard or Oxford obligatory to become an outstanding person (Brain 4). Churchill, the last of the aristocrats who led Britain, was an extraordinary man full of contradictions - a romantic and realist, a slave of ambition and his principles who often struck people with his unparalleled sensitivity, adventurist who recognized advantages of a reasonable compromise. His head was literally full of brilliant ideas, but that did not prevent him from doing frivolities and thoughtless actions. Rich political experience, steadfast patriotism and public speaking gift, enormous energy of thought - such an abundance of trumps has put Churchill above mere mortals. He was convinced that was sent by Providence to save his country. The lesson that can be learned from his life journey is quite clear and simple – you have to develop your knowledge and skills constantly, overcome fears, fight for your ideas and dreams keeping in mind other people around you, your community and country. These aspirations and values are eternal and actual in all times. They connect the life of Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill with the modern age, making him a valuable role model. Works Cited Brain, Russell. “Encounters with Winston Churchill.” Medical History 44.1 (2000):3+. Lambakis, Steven James. Winston Churchill, Architect of Peace: A Study of Statesmanship and the Cold War. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2003.  Roberts, Andrew. “Victory Is the Only Option.” The American Spectator 40.7 (2007): 26+. Read More