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
With the fearful strain that is on me night and day, if I did not laugh I should die.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Even in the face of overwhelming stress and fear, finding humor is essential for survival.
This quote by Abraham Lincoln highlights the importance of laughter as a coping mechanism in times of great stress and difficulty. It suggests that amidst the burdens and pressures of life, maintaining a sense of humor can be a crucial way to endure and overcome challenges, reinforcing the idea that laughter can provide relief and resilience.
Themes
LaughterStressEnduranceHumorCoping
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech addressing mental health, someone might use this quote to emphasize the importance of finding joy despite challenges.
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.
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
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