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
I have always thought that all men should be free; but if any should be slaves, it should be first those who desire for themselves, and secondly those who desire it for others. Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of freedom and critiques those who advocate for slavery, suggesting that they should experience the oppression they wish to impose on others.
Abraham Lincoln's quote reflects a deep philosophical stance on the value of freedom and the moral implications of slavery. It argues that anyone who supports the idea of slavery is, in essence, betraying the fundamental rights of humanity and should be made to personally experience the consequences of their beliefs. Lincoln's strong rhetoric highlights the hypocrisy of those who would claim freedom for themselves while denying it to others, ultimately calling for reflection on the nature of freedom and the inherent rights of all individuals.
Themes
FreedomSlaveryHypocrisyMoralityRights
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about human rights during a rally.
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.
Abraham LincolnRead
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