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
Why was the amendment, expressly declaring the right of the people to exclude slavery, voted down? Plainly enough now, the adoption of it would have spoiled the niche for the Dred Scott decision.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the political implications of legal decisions and the struggle against slavery.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln critiques the rejection of an amendment that would affirm the people's right to exclude slavery, highlighting how such a measure would have conflicted with the Dred Scott decision. Lincoln illustrates the powerful interplay between law, morality, and political interests during a tumultuous period in American history, underlining the difficulties in achieving justice and equality when entangled with self-serving legal rulings.
Themes
SlaveryAmendmentJusticeDred ScottPolitics
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about civil rights, one might quote Lincoln to emphasize the importance of amendments protecting freedom.
More from Abraham Lincoln
All quotes →Sir, 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.
Abraham LincolnRead
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
Abraham LincolnRead
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.
Abraham LincolnRead
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.
Abraham LincolnRead
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.
Abraham LincolnRead
Similar quotes
Whether by theft or by artistry or by conquest, when it comes to time, Venetians are the world's greatest experts. They bested time like no one else.
Joseph BrodskyRead
Potentially evil. Potentially good, too, I suppose. Just this huge powerful potentiality waiting to be shaped.
Neil GaimanRead
Only seven years ago we made a treaty by which we were assured that the buffalo country should be left to us forever. Now they threaten to take that from us also.
Sitting BullRead
I am Oz, the Great and Terrible," spoke the Beast, in a voice that was one great roar. Who are you, and why do you seek me?
L. Frank BaumRead
I don't like the term 'colour-blind' - because I don't want people to be blind to my colour.
Ruth NeggaRead
It is often said that definitions of Islamic government are imprecise. To me, however, they seemed to have a clarity that was completely familiar and also, it must be said, far from reassuring.
Michel FoucaultRead