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You may burn my body to ashes, and scatter them to the…

“You may burn my body to ashes, and scatter them to the winds of heaven; you may drag my soul down to the regions of darkness and despair to be tormented forever; but you will never get me to support a measure which I believe to be wrong, although by doing so I may accomplish that which I believe…” quote by Abraham Lincoln
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“You may burn my body to ashes, and scatter them to the winds of heaven; you may drag my soul down to the regions of darkness and despair to be tormented forever; but you will never get me to support a measure which I believe to be wrong, although by doing so I may accomplish that which I believe to be right.”

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.

The speaker refuses to support a wrong measure, even if it leads to a right outcome, emphasizing personal integrity over ends.

In simple terms: Stand by what you believe is right, even if it costs you.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize conscience over convenience.

Themes

integrity principles politics

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • legislative voting
  • activism
  • personal decision-making

Key Concepts

moral dilemma ethical consistency

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it acceptable to compromise?
  • How do you balance outcomes and principles?
A Different Perspective

Rigid adherence may limit pragmatic solutions.

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