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.
I would save the Union. I would save it the shortest way under the Constitution. The sooner the national authority can be restored; the nearer the Union will be 'the Union as it was'.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Abraham Lincoln emphasizes the importance of preserving the Union in the most constitutional way possible, suggesting that restoring national authority is crucial for unity.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln expresses his commitment to saving the Union during a time of division, highlighting the need to do so within the framework of the Constitution. He implies that a swift restoration of national authority is essential for returning to the ideals and unity that the country was founded upon, reflecting his dedication to both constitutional principles and the preservation of the nation.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on national unity, one could quote Lincoln to emphasize the importance of constitutional governance.
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.
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
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.
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.
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.
Similar quotes
First of all, you've got to have a vision of 'What kind of program do I want to have?' Then you've got to have a plan to implement it. Then you've got to set the example that you want, develop the principles and values that are important, and get people to buy into it.
Al Qaida changes; Al Qaida adapts. We have to adapt as well. We rely on resources to do that. Reducing resources beyond a certain point will make us less able to adapt as our enemy adapts.
My mother did not raise me to ask for permission to lead.
What I always say is, 'Do every job you're in like you're going to do it for the rest of your life, and demonstrate that ownership of it.'
I, like many of the other women who made history and dared to step up to lead since the 2018 midterms, know we must all play a role in the battle for who we are and who we must be.
Paul, Luther, Wesley —what would these chosen ones of God be without the distinguishing and controlling element of prayer? They were leaders for God because mighty in prayer. They were not leaders because of brilliancy in thought, because exhaustless in resources, because of their magnificent culture or native endowment, but leaders because by the power of prayer they could command the power of God.