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 President to-night has a dream: - He was in a party of plain people, and, as it became known who he was, they began to comment on his appearance. One of them said: - "He is a very common-looking man". The President replied: - "The Lord prefers common-looking people. That is the reason he makes so many of them".
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote underscores the value of humility and the beauty of being ordinary.
Abraham Lincoln's quote reflects on the importance of humility and the notion that being 'common-looking' is not a deficiency but rather a divine preference. It suggests that ordinary people have their own worth and significance, and reinforces the idea that greatness does not always align with appearances or social status.
Themes
HumilityCommonalityAppearanceValueWorth
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about public service, one might reference Lincoln's quote to emphasize the importance of connecting with everyday citizens.
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.
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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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