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 mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battle-field, and patriot grave, to every living heart and hearth-stone, all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature. --as quoted in THE RIVER OF WINGED DREAMS
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the collective memory of a nation and the innate goodness within humanity, suggesting hope for unity and peace.
This quote by Abraham Lincoln speaks to the deep and shared memories of a nation's struggles and sacrifices. It conveys an optimistic belief that the inherent goodness and compassion within people will eventually resonate and lead to a harmonious coming together, resonating with the idea that despite the shadows of the past, there is always hope for a brighter future governed by our better instincts.
Themes
MemoryUnityGoodnessHopeNature
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech addressing healing after conflict.
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.
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