Believe Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“I believe it is universally understood and acknowledged that all men will ever act correctly, unless they have a motive to do otherwise.”
About This Quote
People generally act correctly unless a personal motive drives them otherwise; integrity is the default, but self-interest can corrupt.
In simple terms: People act right unless selfish motives intervene.
Key Takeaway
Guard against hidden motives.
Themes
integrity
motivation
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business decisions
- political leadership
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- What motives might be influencing your actions?
- How can you ensure decisions remain ethical?
A Different Perspective
Motives are often subconscious and hard to detect.
![“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)
