Absent Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“Committee: A group which succeeds in getting something done only when it consists of three members, one of whom happens to be sick and another absent.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Gettysburg Address, 1863 (paraphrased)
He humorously defines a committee as ineffective unless its members are absent or ill, highlighting group inefficiency.
In simple terms: Committees fail when members are missing.
Key Takeaway
Avoid over‑reliance on committees.
Themes
efficiency
leadership
collaboration
Mood
skeptical
humorous
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- project planning
- board meetings
- team assignments
- policy development
Key Concepts
group dynamics
decision making
organizational structure
Questions to Reflect On
- When does a committee add value?
- How can you ensure effective participation?
A Different Perspective
Not all groups are dysfunctional; many succeed with clear roles.
![“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)
