Speeches That Changed the World
A fascinating book has recently been published entitled “Speeches That Changed the World”.
Published in 2005, it brings together over a hundred speeches that have in one way or another had a profound effect on events and the way in which our world is viewed.
The book is split into sections – Ancient History; Love; Religion; Science; Patriotism; Philosophy; Humanity and Liberty; Sport; Politics: and War.
Some are clearly speeches, but some are more like sayings, and others are certainly speeches, but written as part of a play.
Mohammad Ali is represented by both “I am the greatest” and “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”; Mark Antony (in the words of Shakespeare) by “Friends, Romans, countrymen”; Neville Chamberlain by “peace for our time” and “This country is at war with Germany”; and Charles, Prionce of Wales by “Whatever love means”.
Winston Churchill contributes “Blood, toil, tears and sweat”, “We shall fight them on the beaches” and “An iron curtain”; Oliver Cromwell “In the name of God, go”; Diana, Princess of Wales “There were three of us in this marriage”; and Elizabeth I “I know I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman”.
And the many others include the Sermon on the Mount, delivered of course by Jesus Christ.
You should find “Speeches That Changed the World” at good bookshops.
Posted by colin on Wednesday 7th June, 2006 at 6:38am