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
Senator [Stephen] Douglas is of world-wide renown. All the anxious politicians of his party, or who have been of his party for years past, have been looking upon him as certainly, at no distant day, to be the President of the United States. They have seen in his round, jolly, fruitful face, post offices, land offices, marshalships, and cabinet appointments, chargeships and foreign missions, bursting and sprouting out in wonderful exuberance ready to be laid hold of by their greedy hands.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on how politicians view Senator Douglas as a potential future president, with aspirations tied to his success.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln critiques the ambitions of politicians who see Senator Stephen Douglas not just as a political figure but as a source of opportunity for personal gain. Their fervent desire for positions and power is exaggerated through the imagery of his appearance, suggesting that they are ready to grasp any potential favors that might come from his expected success. This juxtaposition highlights the transactional nature of political ambition, where personal benefit often overshadows public service.
Themes
PoliticsAmbitionPowerOpportunityCritique
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared in a political discussion about the motivations behind politicians' actions.
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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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