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 have two great enemies, the Southern Army in front of me and the bankers in the rear. Of the two, the one at my rear is my greatest foe.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Lincoln highlights the dual threats he faces from adversaries in war and financial institutions, indicating that he views the latter as the more significant challenge.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln expresses his concern about the dual challenges of military opposition and banking interests during a time of conflict. He suggests that while the Southern Army poses an immediate military threat, it is the influence and actions of bankers, representing financial power, that he perceives as a more insidious and damaging foe. This reflection emphasizes the complexities of leadership, where economic and political forces can significantly impact one's ability to govern and address national crisis.
Themes
EnemiesBankersSouthern ArmyLeadershipFinancial Power
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the impact of financial institutions on politics.
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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