Never give in—never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.
...yeah, it’s not a brilliant rationality quote, but there’s a bit of a good point in it nonetheless: this is a case in which precommitment is necessary, because despite the fact that you would prefer not to be subject to the assault of an enemy, you don’t want to establish that every threat will be profitable, however imaginary. Naive calculations neglect the effect of your decision method on the actions of others. (It’s like in cryptography—your strategy has to work even if other people know the function.)
...I do believe this is why I have a section in my quotefile marked “uncontexted”. I really couldn’t say whether you’re right or wrong—all I know is what I’ve read.
Winston Churchill, 29 October 1941
I don’t tend to yield to force or overwhelming might of what counts as my enemy. I do not consider this trait to be ‘good sense’. Damn propaganda.
...yeah, it’s not a brilliant rationality quote, but there’s a bit of a good point in it nonetheless: this is a case in which precommitment is necessary, because despite the fact that you would prefer not to be subject to the assault of an enemy, you don’t want to establish that every threat will be profitable, however imaginary. Naive calculations neglect the effect of your decision method on the actions of others. (It’s like in cryptography—your strategy has to work even if other people know the function.)
Another quote that means something far different (better) coming from you than from a politician.
...I do believe this is why I have a section in my quotefile marked “uncontexted”. I really couldn’t say whether you’re right or wrong—all I know is what I’ve read.
I’d like to add to that: