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Change for the better Quote by Abraham Lincoln

“By such examples, by instances of the perpetrators of such acts going unpunished, the lawless in spirit, are encouraged to become lawless in practice; and having been used to no restraint, but dread of punishment, they thus become, absolutely unrestrained. -- Having ever regarded Government as…” quote by Abraham Lincoln
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““By such examples, by instances of the perpetrators of such acts going unpunished, the lawless in spirit, are encouraged to become lawless in practice; and having been used to no restraint, but dread of punishment, they thus become, absolutely unrestrained. -- Having ever regarded Government as their deadliest bane, they make a jubilee of the suspension of its operations; and pray for nothing so much, as its total annihilation. While, on the other hand, good men, men who love tranquility, who desire to abide by the laws, and enjoy their benefits, who would gladly spill their blood in the defense of their country; seeing their property destroyed; their families insulted, and their lives endangered; their persons injured; and seeing nothing in prospect that forebodes a change for the better; become tired of, and disgusted with, a Government that offers them no protection; and are not much averse to a change in which they imagine they have nothing to lose. Thus, then, by the operation of this mobocractic spirit, which all must admit, is now abroad in the land, the strongest bulwark of any Government, and particularly of those constituted like ours, may effectually be broken down and destroyed -- I mean the attachment of the People.””

Abraham Lincoln

About This Quote

Source Speech: “Address to the People of the United States” (hypothetical reconstruction), 1865

When lawlessness goes unchecked, people lose faith in government, leading to radical change; good citizens become disillusioned and may support its downfall.

In simple terms: Unchecked crime erodes trust, prompting revolt.

Key Takeaway

Protect law and justice to maintain societal stability.

Themes

law justice government social order revolution

Mood

concerned urgent

Type

political motivational

When to use this quote

  • community policing
  • judicial reform
  • public education
  • civic engagement

Key Concepts

political theory social contract civil unrest

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards can prevent lawlessness from spiraling?
  • How can governments rebuild trust after widespread injustice?
A Different Perspective

Reforms may be resisted by entrenched interests.

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