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
Reputation is like fine china: Once broken it's very hard to repair.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Reputation is fragile and difficult to restore once damaged.
Abraham Lincoln's quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's reputation, comparing it to fine china, which is delicate and easily broken. Just as a shattered piece of china can never truly return to its original state, a tarnished reputation can be challenging to mend, highlighting the need for careful and respectful behavior in our interactions with others.
Themes
ReputationIntegrityTrustCharacterRespect
In practice
Example use cases
In a business meeting discussing the importance of ethical practices.
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.
Abraham LincolnRead
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