"It's no use crying over spilt summits"

In this quote, previous British Prime Minister Harold MacMillan is expressing the concept that there is no point in residence on past errors or failures. The expression "spilt summits" can be analyzed as a metaphor for missed chances or unsuccessful attempts at accomplishing a goal. MacMillan is essentially stating that it is useless to cry or lament over these previous events since they can not be changed. Instead, one should focus on moving forward and gaining from these experiences. This quote works as a reminder to not let previous failures hold us back, however to use them as lessons for future success.