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
If ever this free people, if this Government itself is ever utterly demoralized, it will come from this incessant human wriggle and struggle for office, which is but a way to live without work.
Interpretation
Lincoln warns that a government's corruption and moral decay may stem from people seeking power for personal gain rather than contributing meaningfully to society.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln reflects on the potential dangers to a democratic society when individuals prioritize their ambition and personal gain over genuine service to the public. He suggests that when people seek office solely for power, without commitment to work or integrity, it can lead to a moral decline in both the government and its citizens, ultimately damaging the fabric of democracy itself.
In practice
During a political debate, to illustrate the importance of integrity in leadership.
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.
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.
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
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.
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.
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.
In contrast to totalitarianism, democracy can face and live with the truth about itself.
Anyone who thinks that the vice-president can take a position independent of the president of his administration simply has no knowledge of politics or government. You are his choice in a political marriage, and he expects your absolute loyalty.
Jerusalem is united, will never be divided again.
The political machine triumphs because it is a united minority acting against a divided majority.
I will splinter the CIA into a thousand pieces and scatter it into the winds.
I don't see any possibility of Britain and the U.S. allowing a sovereign independent Iraq; that's almost inconceivable.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.