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 hate it because of the monstrous injustice of slavery itself. I hate it because it deprives our republican example of its just influence in the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses deep moral objection to slavery and its impact on societal values.
Abraham Lincoln's quote articulates his profound disdain for slavery, highlighting not only the moral injustice it represents but also its detrimental effect on the ideals of democracy and republicanism. He believes that slavery undermines the reputation and example that a free society should set for the rest of the world, thereby tarnishing the very values that the nation aims to uphold.
Themes
SlaveryInjusticeDemocracyFreedomRepublic
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social justice, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of equality and the fight against injustice.
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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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