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
The human mind is impelled to action, or held in rest by some power, over which the mind itself has no control.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the idea that our thoughts and actions are influenced by forces beyond our control.
Abraham Lincoln's quote suggests that while we may believe we have control over our decisions and actions, there are underlying forces or circumstances that drive us or hold us back. It points to the complexity of the human experience and the idea that external factors, whether psychological, social, or environmental, play a significant role in motivating or inhibiting our behaviors.
Themes
MindActionControlForcesInfluence
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles, this quote highlights the importance of recognizing external influences on our willpower.
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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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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