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
In those days, our Declaration of Independence was held sacred by all, and thought to include all; but now, to aid in the making the bondage of the negro universal and eternal, it is assailed, and sneered at, and construed, and hawked at, and torn, till, if its framers could rise from their graves, they could not at all recognize it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the betrayal of the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the struggle against the oppression of Black people.
Abraham Lincoln's quote reflects a deep concern for how the principles established in the Declaration of Independence have been undermined in the context of systemic racism and the oppression of African Americans. He articulates a sense of loss and disillusionment that those who originally framed these ideals would no longer recognize their cherished document, now tainted by misuse and misinterpretation to justify the subjugation of a whole race. This underscores the necessity for society to uphold and truly embody the principles of liberty and equality for all.
Themes
FreedomIndependenceEqualityOppressionRace
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about civil rights, to highlight the importance of upholding the founding principles of the nation.
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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.
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