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
I have not permitted myself, gentlemen, to conclude that I am the best man in the country; but I am reminded, in this connection, of a story of an old Dutch farmer, who remarked to a companion once that "it was not best to swap horses when crossing streams."
Interpretation
What this quote means
Change during critical times can lead to instability.
This quote by Abraham Lincoln illustrates the idea that during challenging or uncertain times, such as crossing a stream, it might be wise to hold onto what you have rather than make a change that could jeopardize your stability. The metaphor of not swapping horses suggests the importance of sticking to reliable choices, particularly when the stakes are high.
Themes
ChangeWisdomStabilityDecisionRisk
In practice
Example use cases
In a leadership seminar while discussing the importance of maintaining stability during times of transition.
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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.
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