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 world is agreed that labor is the source from which human wants are mainly supplied. There is no dispute upon this point.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Labor is essential for fulfilling human needs and desires.
Abraham Lincoln emphasizes the fundamental role of labor in society by stating that it is the primary source of human needs. This assertion highlights the universal agreement on the importance of work in sustaining livelihoods and meeting the essential requirements of life, suggesting that without labor, fulfillment of human wants would be severely limited.
Themes
LaborHuman NeedsWorkSocietyFulfillment
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the value of work in economic development.
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.
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