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
It is rather for us here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of honoring those who sacrificed their lives by continuing their commitment to a greater cause.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln calls upon those who remain to dedicate themselves to the noble cause for which the honored dead sacrificed their lives. He suggests that their ultimate sacrifice should inspire the living to intensify their devotion and commitment, reinforcing the idea that the legacy of the departed must be honored through action and continued effort towards achieving that cause.
Themes
SacrificeDedicationHonorCommitmentDevotion
In practice
Example use cases
During a Memorial Day speech to remind attendees of the sacrifices made by soldiers.
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.
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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