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.
Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote warns against becoming arrogant due to constant success, suggesting the importance of humility and recognition of a higher power.
Abraham Lincoln's quote reflects on the dangers of becoming overly confident and self-sufficient when one experiences continuous success. It emphasizes that such pride can lead to a disconnection from humility and grace, which are essential for acknowledging the divine influence in our lives and maintaining our moral integrity. By neglecting prayer and gratitude, we risk losing touch with the very forces that created and support us.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech to young entrepreneurs, this quote can be used to remind them to stay grounded despite their achievements.
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.
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
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.
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.
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.
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When I was young, a teacher had forbidden me to say "more perfect" because she said if a thing is perfect it can't be more so. But by now I had seen enough of life to have regained my confidence in it.
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Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, and riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character.