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
The Union is much older than the Constitution. It was formed in fact, by the Articles of Association in 1774. It was matured and continued by the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the longevity of the Union, predating the Constitution by more than a decade.
Abraham Lincoln highlights the historical significance of the United States Union, indicating that it was established earlier than the Constitution itself. He suggests that the Union was formed through collective agreements and pivotal documents that shaped the nation's identity before the formal Constitution was created, thereby asserting its foundational importance in American history.
Themes
UnionConstitutionHistoryFoundingArticles Of Association
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about American history, one might quote Lincoln to illustrate the origins of the United States.
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.
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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.
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The shot heard round the world.
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