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 part of one's life consists of his friendships.
Interpretation
True fulfillment in life comes from the relationships we build and cherish.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln reflects on the profound impact that friendships have on our lives. He suggests that the essence and joy of life are largely derived from the connections we form with others, indicating that our bonds with friends contribute significantly to our overall happiness and sense of purpose.
In practice
During a speech about the importance of community, I might say, 'As Abraham Lincoln noted, the better part of one's life consists of his friendships.'
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.
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.
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
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.
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.
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.
Better be a nettle in the side of your friend than his echo.
Few friendships would survive if each one knew what his friend says of him behind his back.
I'm a fan of people getting together.
A good friend and a bad friend are like a perfume-seller and a blacksmith: The perfume-seller might give you some perfume as a gift, or you might buy some from him, or at least you might smell its fragrance. As for the blacksmith, he might singe your clothes, and at the very least you will breathe in the fumes of the furnace.
No guest is so welcome in a friend's house that he will not become a nuisance after three days.
Books like friends, should be few and well-chosen.
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