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 worst thing you can do for anyone you care about is anything that they can do on their own.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Helping others too much may hinder their personal growth and independence.
This quote by Abraham Lincoln emphasizes the importance of allowing those we care about to develop their own abilities and take responsibility for their own actions. When we do things for others that they are capable of doing themselves, we can stifle their growth and independence, ultimately doing them a disservice instead of helping.
Themes
IndependenceGrowthSupportResponsibilityEmpowerment
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a motivational talk about personal development.
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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