Country Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“Many free countries have lost their liberty, and ours may lose hers; but, if she shall, be it my proudest plume, not that I was the last to desert, but that I never deserted her.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, likely 19th‑century political address
Freedom can erode even in free nations; personal loyalty remains a noble stance.
In simple terms: Liberty can be lost, but steadfast loyalty is commendable.
Key Takeaway
Stay loyal to your principles despite societal decline.
Themes
loyalty
freedom
politics
principles
Mood
determined
solemn
Type
ethical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political activism
- personal decision‑making
Key Concepts
civic duty
personal sacrifice
national decline
Practical Applications
- public service
Questions to Reflect On
- What does loyalty mean when the cause is flawed?
- How do you act when liberty fades?
A Different Perspective
Loyalty may be challenged by personal risk.
![“If I look at the really important questions in [Middle East] region, I see Iran, where there is a strong desire for a freer society and where people are repressed by a small group of ayatollahs. I see Syria, where we can see a similar desire of the people to be free. These two countries fund…” quote by Donald Rumsfeld](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/615/donald-rumsfeld-1507_afghanistan_if-i-look-at-the-really-important-questi_1108462.jpg)
![“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)
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
