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
If ever I feel the soul within me elevate and expand to those dimensions not wholly unworthy of its Almighty Architect, it is when I contemplate the cause of my country, deserted by all the world beside, and I standing up boldly and lone and hurling defiance at her victorious oppressors.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the idea of finding strength and purpose in standing up for one's country, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln reflects on the profound feeling of empowerment and elevation of spirit that one experiences when contemplating the noble cause of defending the nation. Despite the challenges and isolation he feels, Lincoln emphasizes the importance of courage and the willingness to confront oppressors, showcasing the value of patriotism and sacrifice for the greater good.
In practice
A motivational speech about defending one's values in a community meeting.
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.
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.
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
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.
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.
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.
I don't want to be a dissident. But in the same time, I don't want to go back home and be silent again.
I am not afraid of being sued by white businessmen. In fact, I should welcome such a law suit.
Are we willing and able to stand up to Islamophobia on days when there are not brutal terrorist attacks on Muslims in mosques?
I knew that if I allowed fear to overtake me, my journey was doomed. Fear, to a great extent, is born of a story we tell ourselves, and so I chose to tell myself a different story from the one women are told. I decided I was safe. I was strong. I was brave. Nothing could vanquish me.
what you hear in my voice is fury, not suffering. Anger, not moral authority
The first principle of non-violent action is that of non-cooperation with everything humiliating.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.