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 believe it is universally understood and acknowledged that all men will ever act correctly, unless they have a motive to do otherwise.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People generally act rightly unless they have incentives to do wrong.
This quote by Abraham Lincoln suggests that human behavior is often guided by a natural inclination towards what is right, implying that individuals will make moral choices unless external influences or motives lead them astray. It highlights the idea that integrity is inherently linked to a person's motives and circumstances.
Themes
MoralityBehaviorMotivesIntegrityHonesty
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about ethics in business, one might use this quote to illustrate why companies should foster a culture of integrity.
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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