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.
By adoption of these principles, the long-felt want for a uniform medium will be satisfied. The taxpayers will be saved immense sums of interest, discounts, and exchanges. The financing of all public enterprises, the maintenance of stable government and ordered progress, and the conduct of the Treasury will become matters of practical administration. The people can and will be furnished with a currency as safe as their own government.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of a stable and uniform currency for the public and its benefits to taxpayers.
Abraham Lincoln's quote illustrates the vital role of sound financial principles in creating a stable currency system that benefits taxpayers by reducing costs associated with interest and exchanges. He emphasizes that a consistent and secure currency will not only facilitate the administration of public projects but also foster confidence in the government's fiscal management, ultimately providing citizens with a reliable medium of exchange tied to the integrity of their government.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about economic reform, one might quote Lincoln to emphasize the need for a stable currency.
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
Significantly opening up immigration to skilled workers solves two problems. The companies could hire the educated workers they need. And those workers would compete with high-income people, driving more income equality.
Central planning didn't work for Stalin or Mao, and it won't work for an entrepreneur either.
The most powerful forces in economics are not numbers or facts. They are prejudices and preferences. No amount of evidence will ever change the degree to which many of the rich and powerful prefer themselves to be richer and more powerful and others poorer and weaker.
Economists argue about the relative impact of immigrants versus robots on wage stagnation - voters don't care much. They blame immigrants. It's easier to get mad at a person from Macedonia or Mexico, taking your job than it is to get mad at a piece of technology from Silicon Valley.
Capitalism and market forces are very powerful in producing wealth and innovation. But we need to ensure that these forces act in the common interest.
Developing economies may not have much control over the headwinds that they face today, but that does not mean that they are powerless. Much can be done not just to sustain moderate growth but also to secure a more prosperous and resilient future.