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 this age, in this country, public sentiment is everything. With it, nothing can fail; against it, nothing can succeed. Whoever molds public sentiment goes deeper than he who enacts statutes, or pronounces judicial decisions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Public opinion is a powerful force that can shape outcomes and influence decision-making.
Abraham Lincoln emphasizes the importance of public sentiment in shaping the success or failure of initiatives in any society. He argues that those who can influence and mold public opinion have a deeper impact on society than lawmakers or judges, highlighting the necessity of understanding and addressing the values and beliefs of the people.
Themes
Public SentimentInfluenceLeadershipSocietySuccess
In practice
Example use cases
A politician might use this quote to emphasize the importance of community engagement in their campaign.
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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