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 as the friends of colonization hope, the present and coming generations of our countrymen shall by any means, succeed in freeing our land from the dangerous presence of slavery; and, at the same time, in restoring a captive people to their long-lost father-land, with bright prospects for the future; and this too, so gradually, that neither races nor individuals shall have suffered by the change, it will indeed be a glorious consummation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses hope for the peaceful end of slavery and the restoration of freedom to former slaves, envisioning a harmonious future for all.
Abraham Lincoln envisioned a future where slavery would be abolished without causing harm to individuals or races, allowing for a gradual change that promotes healing and unity. He believed that if this could be accomplished, it would mark a significant and glorious achievement in the progress of society, leading to brighter prospects for the people affected by this transformation.
Themes
SlaveryFreedomChangeUnityHope
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about civil rights to emphasize the importance of gradual and peaceful change.
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.
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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.
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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We don't want the smoking gun to be a mushroom cloud.
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I am for lifting everyone off the social bottom. In fact, I am for doing away with the social bottom altogether.
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The most critical variable [to becoming a change-maker] is one's willingness to give oneself permission. To break the mental chains that make us small because everyone tells us we cannot.
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