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
Our defense is in the preservation of the spirit which prizes liberty as a heritage of all men, in all lands, everywhere. Destroy this spirit and you have planted the seeds of despotism around your own doors.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of valuing liberty as a universal human right, warning against the consequences of neglecting this principle.
Abraham Lincoln's quote highlights the crucial role that the spirit of liberty plays in the preservation of freedom for all people. He suggests that when societies fail to cherish and uphold the values of liberty, they are unwittingly sowing the seeds of oppression not just in their own communities, but around the world. The quote serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard ideals of freedom and justice, as neglecting them can lead to despotism and tyranny.
Themes
LibertyFreedomSpiritDespotismHeritage
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about civil rights, one might quote Lincoln to emphasize the importance of preserving liberty for all.
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.
Abraham LincolnRead
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
Abraham LincolnRead
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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