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
America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The preservation of America depends not on external threats, but on the integrity and actions of its own citizens.
This quote by Abraham Lincoln emphasizes the idea that a nation's greatest threats often come from within rather than from outside forces. Lincoln suggests that the erosion of liberties and freedoms is a result of complacency and actions of the people, not external enemies, serving as a warning for citizens to remain vigilant and uphold their values to preserve their nation.
Themes
FreedomSelf-DestructionVigilanceInternal ThreatsIntegrity
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about civic responsibility, this quote can highlight the importance of active citizenship.
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
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Why, this hath not a finger's dignity.
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