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 am struggling to maintain the government, not to overthrow it. I am struggling especially to prevent others from overthrowing it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Lincoln emphasizes the challenge of preserving a government against opposition rather than seeking to disrupt it.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln conveys the significant responsibility and difficulty of maintaining a government amidst challenges and threats. He stresses his commitment not only to sustain the existing governance but also to safeguard it from those who wish to dismantle or disrupt it, highlighting the ongoing struggle leaders face in ensuring stability and order in a society.
Themes
GovernmentLeadershipStrugglePreservationStability
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of political stability during times of crisis.
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.
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
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