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
His argument is as thin as the homeopathic soup that was made by oiling the shadow of a pigeon that had been starved to death.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote humorously critiques weak arguments by comparing them to an absurdly thin soup.
Abraham Lincoln uses a vivid and humorous analogy to emphasize the lack of substance in someone's argument. By likening it to a 'homeopathic soup' made under ridiculous circumstances, he effectively communicates that the argument is insubstantial and lacks depth, highlighting the importance of solid reasoning in discussions.
Themes
ArgumentHumorSubstanceInsubstantialCritique
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate class, students can use this quote to illustrate the importance of well-founded arguments.
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.
Abraham LincolnRead
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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