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 evacuation of Petersburg and Richmond, and the surrender of the principal insurgent army, give hope of a righteous and speedy peace whose joyous expression can not be restrained. In the midst of this, however, He, from Whom all blessings flow, must not be forgotten. A call for a national thanksgiving is being prepared, and will be duly promulgated.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the importance of gratitude and hope amid challenging times, especially in the context of war and peace.
Abraham Lincoln expresses optimism for peace following significant military events like the evacuation of Petersburg and Richmond and the surrender of the insurgent army. He emphasizes the need for national gratitude and remembrance of the divine source of all blessings, advocating for a collective thanksgiving as a way to unite the nation in hope and reflection on their blessings during tumultuous times.
Themes
PeaceThanksgivingHopeGratitudeNation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a Thanksgiving speech to highlight the importance of gratitude in the nation's history.
More from Abraham Lincoln
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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.
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