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
This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or exercise their revolutionary right to overthrow it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the principles of democracy and the people's power over their government.
Abraham Lincoln emphasizes the fundamental idea that a government is established to serve its people. It underscores that if the citizens become dissatisfied with their government, they possess the constitutional authority to amend it or even resort to revolution if necessary, reflecting the belief in the right of the people to shape their own governance.
Themes
DemocracyGovernmentPeopleRightsChange
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about civic engagement and the importance of voting.
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.
Abraham LincolnRead
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No being can be what he is unless he is putting his essence into action in his field.
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