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 should like to know if, taking this old Declaration of Independence, which declares that all men are equal upon principle, you begin making exceptions to it, where will you stop? If one man says it does not mean a Negro, why not another say it does not mean some other man?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of equality and the danger of making exceptions to principles of justice.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln highlights the inherent contradiction in claiming that all men are created equal while simultaneously making exceptions based on race or other criteria. He argues that if we start to exclude certain groups from this principle of equality, we risk opening a Pandora's box where anyone could be excluded, undermining the very foundation of justice and liberty.
Themes
EqualityJusticePrincipleExceptionsFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for civil rights, one might reference this quote to emphasize the importance of equality for all.
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.
Abraham LincolnRead
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