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
In my view of the present aspect of affairs, there is no need of bloodshed and war. There is no necessity for it. I am not in favor of such a course, and I may say in advance, there will be no blood shed unless it be forced upon the government. The government will not use force unless force is used against it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
War is unnecessary and should only be a response to force.
Abraham Lincoln's quote emphasizes the idea that conflict and violence are avoidable and should only occur if the government is directly threatened. He advocates for peaceful resolutions and warns against the consequences of unwarranted aggression, underscoring his preference for diplomacy over warfare.
Themes
PeaceWarGovernmentForceBloodshed
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on conflict resolution at a community meeting.
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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