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
Better give your path to a dog than be bitten by him in contesting for the right. Even killing the dog would not cure the bite
Interpretation
What this quote means
It is better to concede in conflict than to suffer the consequences of confrontation.
Abraham Lincoln's quote suggests that it is wiser to avoid unnecessary conflict and surrender your position rather than challenge someone and face potential harm, as even extreme measures taken afterwards might not undo the damage done. It reflects the importance of taking a step back and recognizing when disputes may lead to greater suffering.
Themes
ConflictWisdomSurrenderConfrontationPeace
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion, one might quote Lincoln to emphasize the value of letting go of a debate to maintain harmony.
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.
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.
Abraham LincolnRead
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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