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
the better angels of our nature
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that we all have a moral compass that guides us toward kindness and virtue.
Abraham Lincoln's phrase 'the better angels of our nature' refers to the inherent goodness and moral instincts that exist within people. It implies that despite our flaws and the challenges we face, there is a capacity for love, compassion, and understanding that can help guide our decisions and actions toward righteousness and harmony.
Themes
MoralityGoodnessNatureKindnessVirtue
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about compassion in the workplace.
More from Abraham Lincoln
All quotes βSir, 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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