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
Don't interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The Constitution is essential for protecting our freedoms and should be upheld without interference.
Abraham Lincoln emphasizes the importance of the Constitution as a fundamental framework for safeguarding individual liberties. He warns against meddling with it, suggesting that any alteration could jeopardize the freedoms it guarantees, thus highlighting its role as a crucial protector of democracy and civil rights.
Themes
ConstitutionLibertiesFreedomSafeguardRights
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on civil rights, I highlighted Lincoln's quote to stress the importance of constitutional safeguards.
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.
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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