Analyse
Extensive reviews of Churchill’s recorded speeches and writings, including the full transcript of his Harrow address on 29 October 1941, contain no trace of the phrase. The quote first appeared in the late 20th‑century motivational literature and has been repeatedly misattributed to Churchill. No contemporaneous source links him to these words.
Achtergrond
The quote is frequently shared on social media as a Churchill aphorism, often cited as a paraphrase of a Harrow School speech. However, the Harrow speech focused on the war effort and contained no mention of “success,” “failure,” or “courage to continue.” The phrase likely originated in modern self‑help circles and was later retroactively assigned to Churchill for credibility.
Samenvatting verdict
Churchill never said these words, and they do not appear in his 29 October 1941 Harrow School speech.