Best man Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“I have not permitted myself, gentlemen, to conclude that I am the best man in the country; but I am reminded, in this connection, of a story of an old Dutch farmer, who remarked to a companion once that "it was not best to swap horses when crossing streams."”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Gettysburg Address, 1863
He warns against changing strategies at critical moments, using a farmer’s tale about not swapping horses while crossing streams.
In simple terms: Don’t change plans during crucial times.
Key Takeaway
Stay steady when stakes are high.
Themes
caution
strategy
decisionmaking
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
advisory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- personal crises
- project milestones
- political campaigns
Key Concepts
Risk management
timing
adaptability
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you faced a critical decision?
- What risks arise from abrupt changes?
A Different Perspective
Changing tactics mid‑stream can cause loss of control.
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