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
Certainly there is no contending against the Will of God; but still there is some difficulty in ascertaining, and applying it, to particular cases.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Understanding God's will can be challenging, especially in specific situations.
Abraham Lincoln reflects on the complexities of discerning and applying the Will of God in our lives. While he acknowledges the ultimate authority of divine will, he recognizes the difficulties inherent in interpreting that will for our individual circumstances and making sense of it amidst human experiences.
Themes
WillGodUnderstandingDifficultyApplication
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on spirituality and decision-making, one might quote Lincoln to emphasize the challenges in aligning actions with divine intention.
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.
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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They're animals, all right. But why are you so goddam sure that makes us human beings?
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