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
My experience has taught me that a man who has no vices has damned few virtues.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that having vices can lead to stronger virtues, as they reflect the complexities of human nature.
Abraham Lincoln's quote reflects the idea that human beings are inherently flawed and that our vices often contribute to the depth of our character. Virtues alone may seem superficial without the context of struggle and moral complexity represented by vices. It implies that acknowledging our imperfections is an important part of personal growth and understanding our true selves.
Themes
VicesVirtuesHuman NatureCharacterGrowth
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about personal development.
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
Similar quotes
The work is the work. The work is not me.
Frank OceanRead
Thought precedes action, action does not always precede thought.
Douglas HortonRead
No sacrifice is worth the name unless it is a joy. Sacrifice and a long face go ill together. Sacrifice is 'making sacred'. He must be a poor specimen of humanity who is in need of sympathy for his sacrifice.
Mahatma GandhiRead
Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment.
LaoziRead
Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.
Haruki MurakamiRead
It's only those exceptional and rare individuals who have brilliant ideas delivered to them by the muse, complete and gift wrapped. The rest of us have to work at it.
Alan MooreRead