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 I care to listen to every criticism, let alone act on them, then this shop may as well be closed for all other businesses. I have learned to do my best, and if the end result is good then I do not care for any criticism, but if the end result is not good, then even the praise of ten angels would not make the difference.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-confidence and staying true to one's own standards rather than being swayed by external opinions.
Abraham Lincoln highlights that listening to every piece of criticism can paralyze decision-making and hinder progress. He stresses the significance of trusting one's own judgment; if the outcome is satisfactory, criticism becomes irrelevant, while excessive praise cannot compensate for failure. This reflects the balance between external feedback and personal evaluation in achieving success.
Themes
CriticismSelf-ConfidenceSuccessOpinionPersonal-Standards
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about perseverance and self-worth.
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.
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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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