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 am naturally anti-slavery. If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong. I can not remember when I did not so think, and feel. And yet I have never understood that the Presidency conferred upon me an unrestricted right to act officially upon this judgment and feeling.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Lincoln expresses a deep moral conviction against slavery, suggesting that if slavery can be justified, then no act can be considered wrong.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln articulates his profound opposition to slavery, emphasizing that his anti-slavery stance is a fundamental aspect of his moral beliefs. He reflects on the absolute nature of his conviction, arguing that the existence of slavery undermines the very essence of right and wrong. Despite his strong personal feelings, he acknowledges the limitations of his presidential power, indicating a sense of responsibility and restraint in acting upon his moral judgments when it comes to governance.
Themes
SlaveryMoralConvictionPresidencyResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about human rights, one might quote Lincoln to emphasize the importance of standing against injustice.
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.
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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