Battlefields Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“As the chief speaker at the dedication of the national cemetery at the Gettysburg Battlefield, statesman Edward Everett wrote to Lincoln: I should be glad if I could flatter myself that I came as near to the central idea of the occasion in two hours as you did in two minutes.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Dedication of National Cemetery, Gettysburg Battlefield, 1863
Everett humorously compares his brief speech to Lincoln’s concise address, highlighting the power of brevity and depth over length.
In simple terms: Short, powerful words can outweigh long speeches.
Key Takeaway
Value concise, impactful communication.
Themes
communication
brevity
leadership
Mood
thoughtful
historical
inspirational
Type
historical
rhetorical
When to use this quote
- political speeches
- educational presentations
- media interviews
Key Concepts
rhetoric
historical context
public speaking
Questions to Reflect On
- When is a longer explanation needed?
- How can brevity be misused?
A Different Perspective
Length does not guarantee substance; brevity can be misinterpreted.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
