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 will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. It is not the Constitution as I would like to have it, but as it is, that is to be defended. The Constitution will not be preserved & defended until it is enforced & obeyed in every part of every one of the United States. It must be so respected, obeyed, enforced and defended, and let the grass grow where it may.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of upholding the Constitution as it stands, without personal bias, and ensuring it is respected and enforced.
Abraham Lincoln's quote speaks to the duty of leaders to faithfully uphold and defend the Constitution, irrespective of personal opinions on its contents. He highlights that the effectiveness of the Constitution depends on its universal enforcement and obedience, suggesting that leaders must prioritize the rule of law even in challenging circumstances.
Themes
ConstitutionLeadershipDutyLawDefendEnforce
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote during a speech on civic responsibility and the importance of the Constitution.
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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