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
True patriotism is better than the wrong kind of piety.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Genuine love for one's country surpasses false or misguided religious fervor.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln emphasizes the importance of true patriotism, which he views as a noble and guiding force, over a misguided sense of piety that may lead individuals to act unethically or harmfully in the name of religion. He suggests that a genuine connection to one's nation and its values is more virtuous than adhering to a superficial or misaligned moral compass rooted in misguided beliefs.
Themes
PatriotismPietyAbraham LincolnValuesMorality
In practice
Example use cases
During a public speech about national unity, one might reference this quote to stress the importance of genuine love for the country over blind faith.
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.
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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.
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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