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
As a nation we began by declaring that all me are created equal. We now practically read it, all men are created equal except Negroes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Lincoln critiques the hypocrisy in the principle of equality by highlighting the exclusion of Black people from this ideal.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln points out the disparity between the founding declaration of equality for all men and the reality that this principle has not been applied universally, particularly to African Americans. Lincoln emphasizes the need for a true commitment to the ideal of equality, suggesting that the nation's integrity is compromised when certain groups are systematically excluded from this fundamental human right.
Themes
EqualityHypocrisyFreedomCivil RightsJustice
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in discussions about civil rights movements.
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.
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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.
Abraham LincolnRead
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