Bases Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“As to your kind wishes for myself, allow me to say I can not enter the ring on the money basis--first, because, in the main, it iswrong; and secondly, I have not, and can not get, the money. I say, in the main, the use of money is wrong; but for certain objects, in a political contest, the use of some, is both right, and indispensable.”
About This Quote
He argues that using money for personal gain is immoral, yet acknowledges its necessity in political matters.
In simple terms: Money is wrong for personal use but needed in politics.
Key Takeaway
Recognize ethical limits of money.
Themes
ethics
politics
money
morality
power
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- campaign financing
- legislative lobbying
- public policy
- personal finance
- charitable donations
Key Concepts
Utilitarianism
political theory
economic ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ever justifiable to use money for political ends?
- How do we balance moral purity with practical necessity?
A Different Perspective
Money can corrupt even noble political aims.
![“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)
