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 do not expect the Union to be dissolved - I do not expect the house to fall - but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a belief in the unity of the nation, emphasizing the importance of resolution over division.
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln articulates his hope for the United States to overcome its divisions. He expresses a conviction that the nation cannot remain in a state of conflict indefinitely and will ultimately unify, either fully or not at all. This represents a profound philosophical stance on the nature of conflict, governance, and human connection.
Themes
UnityDivisionNationConflictResolution
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for national unity, one could reference this quote by Lincoln.
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.
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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.
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
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