Famous quote by Damon Hill

"If I am pushed I will push back, that is the way I am. I am very British. We don't like to be pushed around. When the chips are down we might have to step into grey areas"

About this Quote

In this quote, Damon Hill, a prominent British former racing motorist, conveys a stoic willpower and an intrinsic characteristic often credited to British culture. Hill's remarks show personal determination and resilience in the face of difficulty or conflict. He starts the declaration with "If I am pushed I will press back", showing a reflexive, defensive response to pressure or aggression. This suggests a personal policy of standing one's ground and not passively permitting others to determine terms or circumstances versus one's will.

The phrase "that is the way I am" suggests that this trait is intrinsic to Hill's identity, highlighting a personal values of resistance and self-assertion. When he specifies, "I am very British", Hill links this characteristic to a broader cultural story. It suggests that such resilience and a reluctance to be pushed around is emblematic of British identity, possibly referencing a collective principles rooted in historic perseverance and defiance-- qualities frequently glamorized in the British spirit.

Further, by saying "We do not like to be bossed around", Hill expands the sentiment to a nationwide level, associating this strength and solve with a typical British experience or attitude. It evokes the stereotype of British 'stiff upper lip,' composure in difficult circumstances, and a cultural hostility to external domination or manipulation.

The clause "When the chips are down we may have to enter grey locations" acknowledges a pragmatic approach to hardship. This suggests that when situations end up being dire, rigid principles may require change to navigate the intricacies of a tough context. The mention of "grey locations" implies moral or ethical obscurity, a preparedness to make difficult choices when circumstances require it, further suggesting strategic flexibility rather than blind adherence to guidelines.

Hill's declaration, for that reason, can be interpreted as a statement of individual and cultural strength, combining steadfastness with pragmatic flexibility-- a reflection of private identity intertwined with national principles.

About the Author

United Kingdom Flag This quote is written / told by Damon Hill somewhere between September 17, 1960 and today. He/she was a famous Athlete from United Kingdom. The author also have 22 other quotes.
Go to author profile

Similar Quotes

Malcolm Forbes, Publisher
Rajendra Prasad, Statesman
Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks, Activist