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.
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
Warriorship does not refer to making war on others. Aggression is the source of our problems, not the solution. Warriorship is the tradition of human bravery, or the tradition of fearlessness.
Chogyam TrungpaRead
World, they have taken the small children like butterflies and thrown them, beating their wings, into the fire--
Nelly SachsRead
Reacher said, "So here's the thing Brett. Either you take your hand off my chest, or I'll take it off your wrist.
Lee ChildRead
As the blowback against those who stand up for what is right thickens, I feel it is necessary to push forward with a relentless determination.
Malcolm JenkinsRead
What has always made our country special is that it doesn't matter where you come from; it matters where you're going. Our job is to make certain the pathways are open to both our boys and our girls.
Condoleezza RiceRead
No profession or occupation is more pleasing than the military; a profession or exercise both noble in execution (for the strongest, most generous and proudest of all virtues is true valor) and noble in its cause. No utility either more just or universal than the protection of the repose or defense of the greatness of one's country. The company and daily conversation of so many noble, young and active men cannot but be well-pleasing to you.
Michel De MontaigneRead