QuoteProject
Allow the president to invade a neighboring nation whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invasion,and you allow him to do so whenever he may choose to say he deems it necessary for such purpose - and you allow him to make war at pleasure.
Abraham Lincoln
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote warns against giving unchecked power to leaders, as it can lead to arbitrary decisions and unnecessary conflict.

In this quote, Abraham Lincoln expresses a grave concern about the implications of allowing a president to unilaterally decide to invade another nation under the pretext of repelling an invasion. He suggests that such authority could easily lead to the misuse of power, enabling the president to engage in wars based on personal discretion rather than justifiable reasons, thereby undermining the principles of governance and democracy.

Themes

PowerWarAuthorityGovernmentInvade

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used to argue against excessive military intervention in international affairs during a public debate.

More from Abraham Lincoln

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
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

Similar quotes

Have you ever wondered why Republicans are so interested in encouraging people to volunteer in their communities? It’s because volunteers work for no pay. Republicans have been trying to get people to work for no pay for a long time.
George CarlinRead
Of course the Republicans have long wanted to privatize Social Security and destroy it. But Social Security has been the most important and valuable social program in the history of the United States.
Bernie SandersRead
All of us should remember that the federal government is not some mysterious institution comprised of buildings, files and paper. The people are the government. What we create we ought to be able to control.
Ronald ReaganRead
Although our interests as citizens vary, each one is an artery to the heart that pumps life through the body politic, and each is important to the health of democracy.
Bill MoyersRead
The sanctions will not kill us. It's apartheid that's killing us.
Oliver TamboRead
To announce that there must be no criticism of the president... is morally treasonable to the American public.
Theodore RooseveltRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.