Feeling unrecognised? Too often we put in a
lot of work at home, school or our job only to find others discounting it. And man, that makes you feel
bad.
But perhaps today’s story will give you the
heart to keep trying despite it all.
According to General Sir Ian Hamilton, a commander
of British forces during the Second Boer War of 1899-1902, Winston Churchill in
his youth deserved a gallantry medal as much as anyone else, never failing to
display bravery. Climbing a ridge on Diamond Hill, Churchill helped Hamilton win a tactical
victory preventing the Boer’s from recapturing Pretoria, still one
of South Africa’s three capitals alongside Capetown and Bloemfontein. But Churchill’d
made enemies. Furthermore, he was in the war as a member of the press and so received nothing.
Yet, he still did become First Lord of the Admiralty
at age 37, a position generally given to older men and historically one of Britain’s
highest posts until the 1960’s. And even then, when all his hard work was
discounted after the failure of the Battle of Gallipoli, proposed by him, against the
Turks during the Great War, he became Prime Minister during World War II.
And even then, when he was booted out of
office following the end of the conflict because he wasn’t considered “a good
peace time prime minister”, he still got back in during the 1950’s, celebrating
his 80th birthday in the commons.
Sometimes we don’t receive the recognition
we deserve, but our part is to keep trucking along, not become
disheartened. It’s easy to be put off course, to think that since no one
appreciates our efforts now that it’ll always be that way.
Through Churchill’s example, we see a man
only successful because of his own determination. We must follow suite. Only
then can succeed in the long run. Only then are we led to truly inspiring achievements.
Only then can we consistently use our life to better the world and make
history.
Alex H.
If you're interested in hearing Churchill's "We'll Fight Them on the Beaches" speech, recorded during World War II, here's a video of it:
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