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
Ballots are the rightful and peaceful successors to bullets.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of democracy and peaceful resolution over violence in achieving political change.
Abraham Lincoln's quote reflects the belief that in a democratic society, the process of voting (ballots) should replace violence (bullets) as the means to achieve political influence and change. It signifies the transition from might and force to civil discourse and the power of collective decision-making through elections, underscoring the value of peaceful and lawful means of expressing one's will in governance.
Themes
DemocracyPeacePolitical ChangeVotingNonviolence
In practice
Example use cases
During a campaign rally, one might say, 'Remember, as Lincoln stated, ballots are the rightful successors to bullets.'
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.
Abraham LincolnRead
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.
Abraham LincolnRead
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