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
Be not deceived. Revolutions do not go backward.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Progress cannot be undone; efforts for change will continue forward.
Abraham Lincoln's assertion warns against the misconception that revolutions or significant societal changes can be reversed. It emphasizes that once a movement for progress begins, it is irreversible, encouraging people to focus on the forward momentum rather than dwelling on past obstacles or setbacks.
Themes
RevolutionChangeProgressForwardVision
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social justice, this quote can inspire activists to continue their work despite challenges.
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
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If you are doing things the same way as two years ago, you are almost certainly doing them wrong.
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By nature man hates change; seldom will he quit his old home till it has actually fallen around his ears.
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Self-centered anger generates evil, but wrath at social injustice becomes the driving force for reform. Strong language that censures and combats a great evil often awakens adverse reactions from society, but this must not intimidate those who believe they are right. A lion is a lion because he roars.
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You can't expect to go about change - especially change of this nature, when you talk about racial equality and justice - you can't expect to go about or engage in that without resistance, and so you're going to have some people who aren't on board.
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