In Scott Anderson's book "Lawrence in Arabia," the author explores the complex implications of T.E. Lawrence's actions and ideas during World War I. Churchill believed that Lawrence, if alive, could have significantly influenced the outcomes of the war, particularly regarding the threats from Germany. However, Lawrence's own views and beliefs suggested a different narrative, one that indicated he recognized the limited power any individual could have against larger political currents.

Lawrence had long expressed concerns about the realities of war and imperialism, illustrating that personal agency might be overshadowed by broader historical forces. Anderson's work delves into the intricacies of Lawrence’s life and his contributions to the Middle East's political landscape, emphasizing the folly of imagining that individual figures alone could decisively change the trajectory of global conflicts.