#320 The Making of Winston Churchill Part 2

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Sep 14, 2023

Discover the transformative years of Winston Churchill as he evolves from an idealistic youth to a resilient leader. Delve into his struggles with failure and self-doubt that shaped his relentless spirit. Gain insights into his ambition, where perseverance often clashed with harsh criticism. Explore intriguing connections between his character and modern figures. Learn how Churchill's foresight about geopolitical dangers led him to face challenges head-on, ultimately crafting a legacy that still inspires today.

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INSIGHT

Importance of Early Failure

Churchill's early failures were crucial for his later success during World War II.
His younger, more exuberant personality, though initially successful, needed tempering through setbacks.

ADVICE

Believe in Yourself

Believe in your own potential, even when others doubt you.
Your self-opinion matters more than the opinions of others.

INSIGHT

Irrepressible Spirit

Churchill's irrepressible spirit and belief in individual agency drove his actions.
He believed great leaders shape history, not impersonal systems.

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The Billionaire and the Mechanic

How Larry Ellison and a Car Mechanic Teamed Up to Win Sailing's Greatest Race, the America's Cup

Julian Guthrie

This book tells the incredible story of the partnership between Larry Ellison and Norbert Bajurin as they pursued the America's Cup. It covers their unsuccessful runs in 2003 and 2007, and their eventual victory in 2010. The book provides unparalleled access to Ellison and his team, detailing the design and building of the boats, the management of the athletes, and the bitter rivalries with competitors like Team Alinghi. It also includes their successful defense of the Cup in 2013.

Young titan

Michael Shelden

In *Young Titan*, Michael Shelden provides a vivid portrait of Winston Churchill during his formative years, from 1901 to 1915. This period saw Churchill build a modern navy, experiment with social reforms, and navigate both personal and political challenges that shaped his future leadership. The book explores his romantic pursuits, political ambitions, and the development of his character that would later define his role in World War II.

The Splendid and the Vile

A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz

Erik Larson

The book chronicles the period from May 1940 to May 1941, highlighting Churchill's leadership during the Battle of Britain and the Blitz. It draws on diaries, archival documents, and once-secret intelligence reports to provide a vivid portrayal of Churchill's family, including his wife Clementine, their children, and his close advisers. The narrative delves into the personal and political challenges faced by Churchill as he navigated the critical early months of World War II, emphasizing his eloquence, courage, and perseverance in the face of unrelenting horror[1][2][4].

Churchill

Walking with Destiny

Andrew Roberts

In this landmark biography, Andrew Roberts provides a deeply personal and historically rich portrait of Winston Churchill. With exclusive access to new material such as transcripts of War Cabinet meetings, diaries, letters, and unpublished memoirs from Churchill's contemporaries, Roberts reveals the hidden forces behind Churchill's legendary drive. The book explores Churchill's life in detail, from his early years to his leadership during World War II, highlighting his courage, tenacity, leadership, and moral conviction. It also discusses his complex relationships, including his interactions with King George VI and Franklin Roosevelt, and evaluates his legacy in the context of modern leadership challenges.

Hero of the empire

The Boer War, a Daring Escape, and the Making of Winston Churchill

Candice Millard

This book by Candice Millard chronicles Winston Churchill's experiences during the Boer War, focusing on his capture by the Boers, his imprisonment in Pretoria, and his remarkable escape. The narrative also explores how these events shaped Churchill's future, including his return to the battle and his subsequent rise in politics. The book is praised for its engaging and meticulously researched storytelling, bringing to life historical figures like Rudyard Kipling, Lord Kitchener, and Mohandas Gandhi, and providing a detailed history of the Boer War and its context.

What I learned from reading Young Titan: The Making of Winston Churchill by Michael Shelden.

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(5:00) It was better for the world that he had known failure and suffered moments of self doubt.

(6:00) There was something in Churchill's character that simply wouldn't allow him to give up. He was a dangerous optimist.

(8:00) History likes winners.

(9:30) The adventures and ordeals of those early years were essential to the making of a man who triumphed in the second world war.

(10:00) At 40 he was largely written off as a man whose best days were behind him. (Churchill shares a lot of parallels with Steve Jobs)

(10:30) He fashioned his career as a grand experiment to prove that he could work his will on his times. Persevering in that approach, despite repeated setbacks and often harsh ridicule of those who didn't share his high opinion of himself.

(13:00) At the heart of this story is an irrepressible spirit.

(17:30) Little men let events take their course. I like things to happen. And if they don't happen, I like to make them happen.

(15:00) In every age there are great men. Why not us? And why not now?

(19:30) Churchill mobilized the English language and sent it into battle.

(22:00) While other politicians were content to get their information from a scattering of newspapers, Churchill devoured whole shelves.

(23:00) Winston Churchill wanted to be the dominant political figure of his time.

(23:30) Robert Caro's books on Lyndon Johnson

(26:30) Listen to Invest Like The Best #343 David Senra

(30:00) If a man is sure of himself it only sharpens him and makes him more effective.

(35:00) Another thing Steve Jobs and Winston Churchill had in common: High Energy. This story about Steve Jobs in incredible.

(36:00) The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz by Erik Larson. (Founders #196)

(44:00) Churchill to his son: “Your idle and lazy life is very offensive to me. You appear to be leading a perfectly useless existence." — The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz by Erik Larson. (Founders #196)

(48:00) Larry Ellison: I know that most people think trying to build a hard wing of this size is crazy. But that’s the beauty of the idea. The other side isn’t trying to build one. So we’ll have a wing, and they won’t. — The Billionaire and The Mechanic(Founders #126)

(50:30) Winston's opponents never tired of saying that he was unreasonable.

(58:00) All of the Winston Churchill episodes:

The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz by Erik Larson. (Founders #196)

Churchill by Paul Johnson. (Founders #225)

Hero of the Empire: The Boer War, a Daring Escape, and the Making of Winston Churchill by Candice Millard. (Founders #319)

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Be like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast