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 you wish to win a man over to your ideas, first make him your friend.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Building a friendship is essential to persuade someone to accept your ideas.
Abraham Lincoln's quote emphasizes the importance of friendship in influencing others. It suggests that to effectively persuade someone, creating a bond of trust and camaraderie is crucial, as people are more receptive to ideas when they feel a personal connection with the person presenting them.
Themes
FriendshipPersuasionInfluenceTrustIdeas
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of relationships in leadership.
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.
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.
Abraham LincolnRead
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
Similar quotes
The quarrels of friends are the opportunities of foes.
AesopRead
Don't be dismayed by good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.
Richard BachRead
Friendships born on the field of athletic strife are the real gold of competition. Awards become corroded, friends gather no dust.
Jesse OwensRead
For I do not want any one to read my book carelessly. I have suffered too much grief in setting down these memories. Six years have already passed since my friend went away from me, with his sheep. If I try to describe him here, it is to make sure that I shall not forget him. To forget a friend is sad. Not every one has had a friend. And if I forget him, I may become like the grown-ups who are no longer interested in anything but figures.
Antoine De Saint-ExuperyRead
It takes two flints to make a fire.
Louisa May AlcottRead
Friend of my bosom, thou more than a brother, Why wert thou not born in my father's dwelling?
Charles LambRead