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
In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The responsibility for civil war lies with the people, not just with their leaders.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln emphasizes that the fate of the nation, particularly in times of conflict and potential civil war, is determined by the actions and decisions of the citizens rather than solely by their leaders. He aims to convey that the power to change the course of events rests in the hands of the people, underscoring the importance of collective responsibility and civic engagement in shaping their future.
Themes
ResponsibilityCitizensCivil WarFreedomLeadership
In practice
Example use cases
During a town hall meeting discussing civic engagement and responsibility.
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
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What we have to do is strike a balance between the idea that government should do everything and the idea, the belief, that government ought to do nothing. Strike a balance.
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A skillful commander is not overbearing. A skillful fighter does not become angry. A skillful conqueror does not compete with people. One who is skillful in using men puts himself below them. This is called the strength to use men. This is called matching Heaven, The highest principle of old.
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The legislator learns that when you talk a lot, you get in trouble. You have to listen a lot to make deals.
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