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
Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail. Without it, nothing can succeed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Public opinion greatly influences the success or failure of any endeavor.
Abraham Lincoln's quote emphasizes the immense power of public sentiment in determining the outcome of actions and initiatives. It suggests that when the public is supportive, efforts are likely to prosper, whereas a lack of public backing can hinder progress, no matter how capable the plan or idea may be. This underscores the importance of understanding and engaging with the perceptions and opinions of the public in leadership and decision-making.
Themes
Public SentimentSuccessFailureLeadershipOpinion
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community initiatives, a leader might use this quote to rally support from constituents.
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.
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
The three most important ways to lead people are:... by example... by example... by example.
Albert SchweitzerRead
If a President of the United States ever lied to the American people, he should resign.
William J. ClintonRead
We can't allow the world's worst leaders to blackmail, threaten, hold freedom-loving nations hostage with the world's worst weapons.
George W. BushRead
Business leaders who openly acknowledge people's concerns about becoming obsolete and who invest resources in workers' growth can help create a nation of learners - and perhaps resolve some of the political chaos that's bubbling around us.
Carol S. DweckRead
If you believe in a security strategy - a strategy of more friends and fewer enemies, a strategy of greater cooperation and a strategy of keeping America better at home as we grow more diverse - we have to build the minds and hearts to build this kind of world.
William J. ClintonRead
Hereafter, if you should observe an occasion to give your officers and friends a little more praise than is their due, and confess more fault than you can justly be charged with, you will only become the sooner for it, a great captain.
Benjamin FranklinRead