History is written by the victors
Meaning: The defeated's perspective vanishes from records because power, not truth, determines which narratives survive.
Origin: Often attributed to Winston Churchill, but there is no record of him saying it — though he did tell the House of Commons in 1948 that it would be better to leave the past to history, "especially as I propose to write that history myself." The idea that winners control the record is old, and the saying's first author is unknown.
More proverbs about Wisdom
- Horses, not zebras — When diagnosing problems, assume common causes before exotic ones; simplicity usually pre…
- If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it's probably a duck — When multiple observable qualities align, trust the evidence rather than disputing the ap…
- If you can't beat them, eat them — When victory is impossible, consume the problem literally or metaphorically to eliminate…
- If you mess with the bull, you get the horns — Confronting a dangerous opponent directly invites predictable retaliation.
- In unity, there is strength — Individual efforts pale against coordinated action; collective power overcomes obstacles…
- It is a wise child that knows his own father — A version, “it is a wise father that knows his own child” (spelling modernized), is used…
From our compliments & insults
- Eres más corto que las mangas de un chaleco — You're not the sharpest — a bit slow on the uptake.
- Du bist nicht die hellste Kerze auf der Torte — You're a little dim — not the smartest in the room.
- Tu as une cervelle de moineau — You're scatterbrained and forgetful.