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 talked with great men, and I do not see how they differ from others.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Greatness is not defined by status but by the essence of humanity shared among all people.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln reflects on his conversations with influential figures and concludes that, fundamentally, they are not different from ordinary individuals. This observation suggests that every person, regardless of their achievements or societal position, shares common human experiences and qualities, emphasizing the intrinsic equality among all people.
Themes
GreatnessEqualityHumanityWisdomConversation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a discussion on leadership and the characteristics that define great leaders.
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.
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