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
You can't help the poor by being one of them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True assistance to those in need requires a position of stability and resources.
Abraham Lincoln's quote emphasizes the idea that in order to effectively help those in poverty, one must not be in the same situation. It suggests that to provide meaningful aid, one must possess the knowledge, resources, and stability necessary to make a difference rather than merely sharing in the suffering of the impoverished.
Themes
HelpPovertySupportServiceResources
In practice
Example use cases
During a charity event, I reminded everyone that we can't help the poor by being one of them, encouraging contributions.
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.
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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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