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
Every man is said to have his peculiar ambition. Whether it be true or not, I can say, for one, that I have no other so great as that of being truly esteemed of my fellow-men, by rendering myself worthy of their esteem. How far I shall succeed in gratifying this ambition is yet to be developed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the deep human desire for esteem and worthiness among peers.
Abraham Lincoln expresses that each individual has their own unique ambition, but he identifies his greatest aspiration as being esteemed by others through his actions. He acknowledges uncertainty about his success in achieving this goal, highlighting that the pursuit of respect and admiration from others is a noble and ongoing journey.
Themes
EsteemAmbitionWorthinessRespectFellow-Men
In practice
Example use cases
In a commencement speech to inspire students about the value of community and mutual respect.
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.
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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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