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
Without the Constitution and the Union, we could not have attained the result; but even these, are not the primary cause of our great prosperity. There is something back of these, entwining itself more closely about the human heart. That something, is the principle of "Liberty to all" the principle that clears the path for all-gives hope to all-and, by consequence, enterprize [sic], and industry to all.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that true prosperity comes from the principle of liberty rather than just laws and governance.
Abraham Lincoln expresses that while the Constitution and the Union are important, they are not the fundamental reasons for America's prosperity. Instead, it is the principle of liberty, which resonates deeply with human nature and fosters hope, enterprise, and industriousness among people that drives true success and improvement in society.
Themes
LibertyProsperityConstitutionHopeEnterprise
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of freedom in society.
More from Abraham Lincoln
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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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