Abraham Lincoln's Quotes: Reflections on Freedom, Democracy, and Integrity

This collection of Abraham Lincoln's quotes reflects his views on freedom, democracy, character, and the moral responsibility of leadership.

⊙ Quote of the day: Freedom's Many Faces

The shepherd drives the wolf from the sheep’s for which the sheep thanks the shepherd as his liberator, while the wolf denounces him for the same act as the destroyer of liberty. 

Plainly, the sheep and the wolf are not agreed upon a definition of liberty.

- Abraham Lincoln -

This quote, believed to be from one of Abraham Lincoln’s speeches, highlights that different people have different perspectives on freedom. The same event can be interpreted in contrasting ways, depending on the situation and the individual’s viewpoint. Lincoln uses the metaphor of sheep and wolves to illustrate how opposing sides of a conflict can view the same action very differently.

In this metaphor, the shepherd represents a figure of protection or authority, likely symbolizing a government or leader. The sheep see the shepherd as a liberator because he protects them from the wolves, who pose a threat. The wolves, however, see the shepherd as a destroyer of liberty because he prevents them from preying on the sheep.

Lincoln suggests that freedom is often perceived differently based on one’s position. The sheep equate freedom with safety and protection, while the wolves see it as the ability to act without restriction, even if it harms others. In other words, Lincoln emphasizes that the concept of freedom must be carefully defined, as it can mean different things to different groups based on their moral and ethical perspectives.

The quote also suggests that sometimes, freedom must be limited. The shepherd must chase away the wolves to protect the sheep, which restricts the wolves' freedom. If he didn’t, the sheep would be at risk. This implies that freedom is not absolute and may need to be adjusted according to the situation. Lincoln brilliantly points out that one person’s or group’s view of freedom can be seen as oppression by another, highlighting the moral complexity of the concept.

⊙ Lincoln's Moral Compass: Quotes on Freedom, Discipline, and Democracy

Abraham Lincoln's quotes touch on themes of democracy, freedom, character, and the importance of personal integrity. These quotes showcase his deep belief in the power of the people, the value of discipline, and the moral responsibility to stand against injustice. Lincoln's thoughts continue to inspire, reminding us of the importance of both personal conviction and collective responsibility in shaping the future.

• ​Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters. - Abraham Lincoln

• The ballot is stronger than the bullet. - Abraham Lincoln

• The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time. - Abraham Lincoln

• Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. - Abraham Lincoln

• Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves, and, under a just God cannot retain it. - Abraham Lincoln

• I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me seemed insufficient for the day. - Abraham Lincoln

• You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time. - Abraham Lincoln

• Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm. - Abraham Lincoln

• Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most. - Abraham Lincoln

• In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. - Abraham Lincoln

• Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing. - Abraham Lincoln

• Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. - Abraham Lincoln

• As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy. - Abraham Lincoln

• Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth. - Abraham Lincoln

Additional resources:

Power and Essence of Prayer: Quotes from Lincoln & Luther

The Power of Friendship: Quotes to Warm Your Heart

11 Quotes Against Oppression: Perspectives on Freedom and Slavery

Freedom - Abraham Lincoln

Forging the Future: Quotes on Hope and Determination

Presidential Quotes from the United States and Its Allies

Insightful Reflections on Freedom and Responsibility

Motivational Quotes To Inspire You.

#Abraham Lincoln #Freedom #Democracy #Leadership #Integrity #Character #Discipline #Moral Responsibility