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
And, inasmuch [as] most good things are produced by labour, it follows that all such things of right belong to those whose labour has produced them. But it has so happened in all ages of the world, that some have laboured, and others have, without labour, enjoyed a large proportion of the fruits. This is wrong, and should not continue. To [secure] to each labourer the whole product of his labour, or as nearly as possible, is a most worthy object of any good government.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that the fruits of labor should rightfully belong to those who work for them, critiquing the unjust distribution of resources in society.
Abraham Lincoln articulates a fundamental belief in the moral rightness of labor and its products, arguing that those who work hard deserve to enjoy the direct results of their efforts. He highlights the historical injustice where a minority benefits from the labor of the majority, calling for a more equitable system where laborers receive the full value of what they produce, which he advocates as a noble goal for any just government to achieve.
Themes
LaborJusticeEquityProductionGovernment
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate about workers' rights, this quote could be used to advocate for fair wages.
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.
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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.
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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