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 dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We must adapt our thinking and actions to meet the challenges of our current circumstances.
In this quote, Lincoln emphasizes the necessity of evolving our thoughts and actions in response to contemporary challenges, suggesting that past beliefs and methods may not serve us in addressing present difficulties. He argues for a fresh perspective that acknowledges the uniqueness of our current situation, indicating that growth and adaptation are essential for progress.
Themes
ChangeAdaptationProgressInnovationChallenges
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to inspire teams to embrace new strategies amidst change.
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.
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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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