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
Senator [Stephen] Douglas is of world-wide renown. All the anxious politicians of his party, or who have been of his party for years past, have been looking upon him as certainly, at no distant day, to be the President of the United States. They have seen in his round, jolly, fruitful face, post offices, land offices, marshalships, and cabinet appointments, chargeships and foreign missions, bursting and sprouting out in wonderful exuberance ready to be laid hold of by their greedy hands.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on how politicians view Senator Douglas as a potential future president, with aspirations tied to his success.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln critiques the ambitions of politicians who see Senator Stephen Douglas not just as a political figure but as a source of opportunity for personal gain. Their fervent desire for positions and power is exaggerated through the imagery of his appearance, suggesting that they are ready to grasp any potential favors that might come from his expected success. This juxtaposition highlights the transactional nature of political ambition, where personal benefit often overshadows public service.
Themes
PoliticsAmbitionPowerOpportunityCritique
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared in a political discussion about the motivations behind politicians' actions.
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
Fascism is capitalism plus murder.
Upton SinclairRead
No man who ever held the office of president would congratulate a friend on obtaining it.
John AdamsRead
The Iranian regime supports violent extremists and challenges us across the region. It pursues a nuclear capability that could spark a dangerous arms race and raise the prospect of a transfer of nuclear know-how to terrorists. Its president denies the Holocaust and threatens to wipe Israel off the map. The danger from Iran is grave, it is real.
Barack ObamaRead
The faces and the tactics of the leaders may change every four years, or two, or one, but the people go on forever.
Paul RobesonRead
A politician is a statesman who approaches every question with an open mouth.
Adlai E. StevensonRead
Politics is the art of acquiring, holding, and wielding power.
Indira GandhiRead