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These office-seekers are a curse to the country; no sooner…

“These office-seekers are a curse to the country; no sooner was my election certain, than I became the prey of hundreds of hungry persistent applicants for office, whose highest ambition is to feed at the Government's crib.” quote by Abraham Lincoln
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“These office-seekers are a curse to the country; no sooner was my election certain, than I became the prey of hundreds of hungry persistent applicants for office, whose highest ambition is to feed at the Government's crib.”

Abraham Lincoln

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Office seekers can overwhelm governance, turning public service into a competitive hunt for power.

In simple terms: Too many candidates can corrupt politics.

Key Takeaway

Seek qualified, dedicated leaders.

Themes

politics power corruption

Mood

critical concerned

Type

political warning

When to use this quote

  • elections
  • government hiring
  • policy making

Key Concepts

democracy public service

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we ensure merit over ambition?
  • What safeguards protect government integrity?
A Different Perspective

Not all applicants are motivated by public good.

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