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
The man who could go to Africa and rob her of her children, and then sell them into interminable bondage, with no other motive than that which is furnished by dollars and cents, is so much worse than the most depraved murderer that he can never receive pardon at my hand.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote decries the moral depravity of slavery, emphasizing the immense cruelty of those who exploit others for profit.
Abraham Lincoln's quote condemns the inhumane actions of individuals who enslave others purely for monetary gain. He argues that such acts of exploitation are far worse than murder, indicating a profound moral repugnance towards those who would sacrifice human lives for greed. Lincoln's strong stance reflects his belief that slavery is a grave injustice that cannot be justified or forgiven.
Themes
SlaveryMoralityGreedHuman RightsInjustice
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social justice, one might use Lincoln's quote to highlight the importance of fighting against exploitation.
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.
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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.
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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