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
There is no grievance that is a fit object of redress by mob law.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that mob justice is not a valid solution to grievances.
Abraham Lincoln's quote speaks to the dangers of mob law, suggesting that emotional or collective outbursts cannot justly address grievances. It advocates for a legal and thoughtful approach to justice instead of allowing the whims of the crowd to dictate actions, which often leads to chaos and injustice.
Themes
Mob LawJusticeGrievanceLegalCrowd
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate about civil rights, one might reference this quote to argue against vigilante actions.
More from Abraham Lincoln
All quotes βSir, 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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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.
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