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
Human nature will not change. In any future great national trial, compared with the men of this, we shall have as weak and as strong, as silly and as wise, as bad and as good. Let us therefore study the incidents in this as philosophy to learn wisdom from and none of them as wrongs to be avenged.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Human nature remains constant across time, and we should learn from historical events rather than seek vengeance.
Abraham Lincoln's quote asserts the idea that the core traits of humanity—both strengths and weaknesses—remain unchanged despite the passage of time. In moments of national trials, the same mix of human qualities will appear, prompting us to reflect on past incidents as opportunities for philosophical study, allowing us to grow in wisdom instead of seeking revenge for perceived wrongs.
Themes
Human NatureWisdomPhilosophyHistoryLearning
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on resilience in 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.
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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.
Abraham LincolnRead
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Our job as writers and thinkers in the time is how to bring about the occasions that let people have that first-person experience - or the metaphoric experience that allows them to see human continuity as opposed to total threat, total willingness to do violence.
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