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
A fellow once came to me to ask for an appointment as a minister abroad. Finding he could not get that, he came down to some more modest position. Finally, he asked to be made a tide-waiter. When he saw he could not get that, he asked me for an old pair of trousers. It is sometimes well to be humble.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Humility is an important virtue that can lead to personal growth and acceptance.
This quote from Abraham Lincoln emphasizes the value of humility in one's aspirations. The anecdote illustrates how an individual's desires can be scaled down from grand ambitions to more modest requests, ultimately highlighting the importance of accepting one's place and embracing humility in the face of limitations. Lincoln suggests that being humble can lead to personal growth and a better understanding of oneself.
Themes
HumilityAspirationAcceptancePersonal GrowthModesty
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about career goals, this quote can remind attendees to stay humble regardless of their ambitions.
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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