Appeasement Quote by John Naughton
“Appeasement, said Winston Churchill, consists of being nice to a crocodile in the hope that he will eat you last. At the moment, the biggest crocodile in the world is Microsoft, and everybody is busy sucking up to it.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview, 2008, Technology Commentary
Treating a powerful entity with false kindness risks being harmed later.
In simple terms: Being nice to a dangerous power can backfire.
Key Takeaway
Beware of appeasing dominant forces.
Themes
power
politics
strategy
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
advice
political
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- political diplomacy
- personal interactions
Key Concepts
appeasement
risk management
corporate influence
Questions to Reflect On
- Is kindness always the best tactic?
- How can you protect yourself without conceding power?
A Different Perspective
Appeasement may not prevent aggression if the power remains unchecked.
![“In one great case a man [Winston Churchill] who had been considered too brilliant and too reckless ever to be trusted with major office was the leader of the country [1941]. One of Rowe's last memories was of hearing him hissed by ex-servicemen from the public gallery of a law court because he had…” quote by Graham Greene](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4c3/graham-greene-441_truth_in-one-great-case-a-man-winston-churchil_482242.jpg)
