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
What constitutes the bulwark of our own liberty and independence? It is not...the guns of our war steamers, or the strength of our gallant and disciplined army...our reliance is in the love of liberty which God has planted in our bosoms...
Interpretation
What this quote means
True liberty is rooted in a deep-seated love for freedom rather than military might.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln emphasizes that the foundation of liberty and independence stems not from military power or weaponry, but from a profound intrinsic love for freedom that resides within each person. This speaks to the idea that a nation’s strength lies in the collective commitment of its people to uphold and cherish the values of liberty.
Themes
LibertyFreedomIndependenceLoveStrength
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of civil liberties and human rights.
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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