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 mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battle-field, and patriot grave, to every living heart and hearth-stone, all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature. --as quoted in THE RIVER OF WINGED DREAMS
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the collective memory of a nation and the innate goodness within humanity, suggesting hope for unity and peace.
This quote by Abraham Lincoln speaks to the deep and shared memories of a nation's struggles and sacrifices. It conveys an optimistic belief that the inherent goodness and compassion within people will eventually resonate and lead to a harmonious coming together, resonating with the idea that despite the shadows of the past, there is always hope for a brighter future governed by our better instincts.
Themes
MemoryUnityGoodnessHopeNature
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech addressing healing after conflict.
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
Similar quotes
I have always reckoned the dignity of the republic of first importance and preferable to life.
Julius CaesarRead
Who does not in some sort live to others, does not live much to himself.
Michel De MontaigneRead
Once you accept your own death, all of a sudden you're free to live. You no longer care about your reputation. You no longer care except so far as your life can be used tactically to promote a cause you believe in.
Saul AlinskyRead
Gide and I have attained such perfect intellectual communion that I experience the appropriate labor pains for every thought he gives birth to!
Susan SontagRead
So for a good old-gentlemanly vice, I think I must take up with avarice.
Lord ByronRead
Debt is a prolific mother of folly and of crime.
Benjamin DisraeliRead