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
A man watches his pear-tree day after day, impatient for the ripening of the fruit. Let him attempt to force the process, and he may spoil both fruit and tree. But let him patiently wait, and the ripe pear at length falls into his lap.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Patience is crucial for achieving desirable outcomes without causing harm.
This quote emphasizes the importance of patience in the process of growth and achievement. It suggests that trying to rush natural processes can lead to negative consequences, whereas allowing things to develop at their own pace can bring rewarding results, much like waiting for fruit to ripen on a tree.
Themes
PatienceGrowthFruitNatureSuccess
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal development, one might use this quote to illustrate the need for patience in achieving goals.
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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