"What do you want to be a sailor for? There are greater storms in politics than you will ever find at sea. Piracy, broadsides, blood on the decks. You will find them all in politics"

David Lloyd George's quote draws a brilliant analogy in between the worlds of cruising and politics, recommending that the latter presents greater obstacles and dangers. When he asks, "What do you want to be a sailor for?" he is questioning the inspirations behind choosing a seafaring life, understood for its perils and unpredictability. However, he contrasts the disorderly nature of the sea with the turbulence of political life, indicating that politics is laden with much more extreme and treacherous storms.

Lloyd George refers to "higher storms in politics", which can be translated as the strong battles and volatile nature of political life. Simply as storms interfere with the peace of the sea, political turmoils can agitate societies and result in conflict and modification. The use of the word "storms" in this context stresses the capricious and tumultuous elements inherent in political environments, where loyalties move like the wind, and the political landscape can change swiftly and suddenly.

The reference of "piracy, broadsides, blood on the decks" works as a metaphorical depiction of political treachery, disputes, and the individual and ethical expenses associated with political engagement. "Piracy" may signify the deceptive tactics and deceit often utilized in the political arena. "Broadsides", a marine term for synchronised firing from all the weapons on one side of a warship, might represent the aggressive exchanges and publicly broadcasted fights between political opponents. "Blood on the decks" evokes the concrete repercussions of such disputes, whether it be the loss of professions, reputations, or even lives.

In this quote, Lloyd George delivers a cautionary message about the intrinsic obstacles of choosing a course in politics. His use of nautical imagery stresses the strength and risk of political life, recommending that the bravery and durability required in politics can surpass even the nerve needed to face the sea's natural tempests.