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
To correct the evils, great and small, which spring from want of sympathy and from positive enmity among strangers, as nations or as individuals, is one of the highest functions of civilization.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of addressing both small and large societal issues through empathy and understanding among individuals and nations.
Abraham Lincoln suggests that one of the key roles of a civilized society is to remedy the injustices and conflicts that arise from a lack of empathy and mutual goodwill, whether these occur on a personal level or between nations. This idea implies that compassion and understanding are essential for progress and harmony in civilization, pointing out that the ability to address these 'evils' is what elevates human society.
Themes
EmpathyCivilizationSympathyEnemiesStrangers
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about promoting peace and understanding in community initiatives.
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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