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
I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the humility of acknowledging that external circumstances can influence one's life.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln reveals a deep understanding of the human experience and the often unpredictable nature of life. He acknowledges that despite our efforts to control outcomes, we are frequently at the mercy of larger events and circumstances that shape our paths. This recognition of vulnerability not only reflects Lincoln's character but also serves as a reminder of the limits of human agency in the face of life's complexities.
Themes
ControlEventsHumilityAcknowledgmentInfluence
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about overcoming adversity, you might say, 'As Abraham Lincoln once noted, events have a way of controlling us, reminding us to adapt and persevere.'
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.
Abraham LincolnRead
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
Similar quotes
Within the soul of each Vietnam veteran there is probably something that says "Bad war, good soldier." Only now are Americans beginning to separate the war from the warrior.
Max ClelandRead
Every successful revolution puts on in time the robes of the tyrant it has deposed.
Barbara W. TuchmanRead
A man is the sum of his misfortunes. One day you'd think misfortune would get tired but then time is your misfortune
William FaulknerRead
There is nothing inherently fair about equalizing incomes. If the government penalizes you for working harder than somebody else, that is unfair. If you save your money but retire with the same pension as a free-spending neighbor, that is also unfair.
Arthur C. BrooksRead
We have the same soul at 60 that we had at 40, and the same soul at 25 that we had when we were 5.
Marianne WilliamsonRead
The moment this House undertakes to legislate upon this subject slavery, it dissolves the Union. Should it be my fortune to have a seat upon this floor, I will abandon it the instant the first decisive step is taken looking towards legislation of this subject. I will go home to preach, and if I can, practice, disunion, and civil war, if needs be. A revolution must ensue, and this republic sink in blood.
James Henry HammondRead