What’s Churchill’s problem? Does he want us to run out and create some conflict? Why in the world would he want us to have a healthy list of enemies? What about the dream that all of us would someday get along?

Maybe he was in a bad mood. Maybe he’s just being a party-pooper, playing contrarian to the status quo for shock value.

Actually, Churchill’s point, taken in context, makes a whole lot of common sense. He’s not suggesting that we go out of our way to make enemies but on the other hand, he also doesn’t think that giving up personal values is worth keeping the peace in all cases.

Sometimes, it’s easier to let an offensive comment slide or a policy at work remain unchallenged in order to steer clear of conflict. In some cases, the issue may honestly not be worth the trouble, but when keeping the peace becomes a habit to the detriment of what we believe is right, what do we stand for?

Sure, pick your battles, but, Churchill suggests that every life presents us with at least some battles worth fighting. It’s usually pretty easy to know when it’s time to stand up for something: that prickle on your neck, the voice in your head or the uneasy feeling in your gut rarely steer you wrong, especially when it comes to what you believe is right.

Not everyone liked Winston Churchill, but few, if any, would argue that he did not stand for his personal principles. Sometimes, we can tell more about the causes for which we stand based on our foes, rather than by our friends.

Written by Kristan Cole