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
I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses the idea of seeking guidance in times of desperation when one's own understanding fails.
Abraham Lincoln reflects on moments of profound humility and struggle, where he felt compelled to turn to a higher power or deeper wisdom to navigate challenging times. This acknowledgment of one's limitations and the reliance on faith or a greater wisdom embodies the essence of philosophical reflection on human existence.
Themes
HumilityWisdomFaithStruggleReflection
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming challenges, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of seeking help when faced with difficulties.
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.
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
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An innocent man is a sin before God. Inhuman and therefore untrustworthy. No man should live without absorbing the sins of his kind, the foul air of his innocence, even if it did wilt rows of angel trumpets and cause them to fall from their vines.
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