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
We think the Dred Scott decision is erroneous. We know the court that made it has often overruled its own decisions, and we shall do what we can to have it overrule this.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a belief that the Dred Scott decision was wrong and emphasizes the possibility of change in judicial rulings.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln addresses the infamous Dred Scott decision, which denied citizenship and legal rights to African American slaves. He asserts that not only does he think the decision is incorrect, but he is also advocating for the court to reconsider and change this ruling, reflecting a belief in the capacity for justice to evolve and improve over time.
Themes
Dred ScottJusticeChangeCourtDecisionOverrule
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for civil rights, one might say, 'As Lincoln stated, we must strive to correct erroneous decisions like the Dred Scott ruling.'
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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