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
No policy that does not rest upon some philosophical public opinion can be permanently maintained.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Policies require the support of the public's philosophical beliefs to endure.
Abraham Lincoln's quote emphasizes the importance of public opinion grounded in philosophical reasoning as a cornerstone for any enduring policy. Without a strong philosophical foundation that resonates with the populace, policies are likely to fail or be rejected, underscoring the interplay between belief and governance.
Themes
PolicyPublic OpinionPhilosophyGovernanceBelief
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of civic engagement, one might use this quote to highlight the role of public opinion in shaping policies.
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.
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.
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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.
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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Civil officials have no business meddling in private religious affairs.
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This is the reason we cannot complain of life: it keeps no one against his will.
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Fear, prejudice, malice, and the love of approbation bribe a thousand men where gold bribes one.
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The assignment of purpose to everything is called teleology. Children are native teleologists, and many never grow out of it.
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