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 man who stands by and says nothing, when the peril of his government is discussed, can not be misunderstood. If not hindered, he is sure to help the enemy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Silence in the face of danger can be seen as complicity. Speaking up is essential in protecting one's values and government.
Abraham Lincoln emphasizes the moral obligation of individuals to voice their concerns when they see threats to their government and society. Remaining silent during times of peril not only allows injustices to occur but may actively contribute to the harm of the very institutions we cherish. Therefore, showing courage and taking a stand is crucial in safeguarding our collective future.
Themes
SilenceCourageGovernmentActionResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about civic responsibility during political protests.
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 strangest of our powers _x000D_ Is the courage to live _x000D_ Knowing that we will die, _x000D_ Knowing nothing more true.
Naz?M HikmetRead
Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage
Matt DamonRead
Fear stifles our thinking and actions. It creates indecisiveness that results in stagnation. I have known talented people who procrastinate indefinitely rather than risk failure. Lost opportunities cause erosion of confidence, and the downward spiral begins.
Charles StanleyRead
When you're scared, when you're hanging on, when life is hurting you, then you're going to see what you're really made of.
Sylvester StalloneRead
It is necessary for every American, with becoming energy to endeavor to stop the dissemination of principles evidently destructive of the cause for which they have bled. It must be the combined virtue of the rulers and of the people to do this, and to rescue and save their civil and religious rights from the outstretched arm of tyranny, which may appear under any mode or form of government.
Mercy Otis WarrenRead
Courage is indispensible because in politics not life but the world is at stake.
Hannah ArendtRead