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 an important sense in which government is distinctive from administration. One is perpetual, the other is temporary and changeable. A man may be loyal to his government and yet oppose the particular principles and methods of administration.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Government and administration serve different purposes, with government being constant while administration is subject to change.
Abraham Lincoln highlights the distinction between government and administration, suggesting that while the structure of government is a stable and enduring institution, the methods and principles of administration can shift over time. This implies that loyalty to the government itself does not necessitate blind support for the actions of those who administer it, allowing for critical discussion and opposition when necessary.
Themes
GovernmentAdministrationLoyaltyOppositionPrinciplesChange
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about political loyalty, one could reference Lincoln's quote to emphasize the importance of questioning government actions.
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.
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