I am like a man so busy in letting rooms in one end of his house, that he can't stop to put out the fire that is burning the other.
Abraham LincolnRead
Allow the president to invade a neighboring nation whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invasion,and you allow him to do so whenever he may choose to say he deems it necessary for such purpose - and you allow him to make war at pleasure.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote warns against giving unchecked power to leaders, as it can lead to arbitrary decisions and unnecessary conflict.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln expresses a grave concern about the implications of allowing a president to unilaterally decide to invade another nation under the pretext of repelling an invasion. He suggests that such authority could easily lead to the misuse of power, enabling the president to engage in wars based on personal discretion rather than justifiable reasons, thereby undermining the principles of governance and democracy.
Themes
PowerWarAuthorityGovernmentInvade
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used to argue against excessive military intervention in international affairs during a public debate.
More from Abraham Lincoln
All quotes βSir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.
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Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
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How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg.
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For it has been said, all that a man hath will he give for his life; and while all contribute of their substance the soldier puts his life at stake, and often yields it up in his country's cause. The highest merit, then is due to the soldier.
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And having thus chosen our course, without guile, and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear, and with manly hearts.
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