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
I had been told I was on the road to hell, but I had no idea it was just a mile down the road with a dome on it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that we often fear future consequences without realizing they may be closer or different than we think.
Abraham Lincoln's quote reflects on the idea that warnings about impending doom or failure can often be exaggerated. He humorously indicates that the perceived threats or obstacles we dread may be more approachable and less daunting than we believe, emphasizing the importance of perspective and understanding in assessing our challenges.
Themes
FearPerspectiveChallengesHumorUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a motivational speech to encourage people to face their fears head-on.
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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