Almighty Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“Men are not flattered by being shown that there has been a difference of purpose between the Almighty and them. To deny it, however, in this case, is to deny that there is a God governing the world. It is a truth which I thought needed to be told; and as whatever of humilation there is in it, falls most directly on myself, I thought others might afford for me to tell it.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, likely personal correspondence, 1860s
He asserts that acknowledging a purposeful distinction between divine will and human intent reveals a governing God, despite personal humiliation.
In simple terms: Recognizing a purposeful difference between God's plan and human actions shows a governing God, even if humbling.
Key Takeaway
Accept that divine purpose may differ from personal desires.
Themes
theology
humility
purpose
divine
authority
Mood
reflective
serious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- Personal reflection
- theological debate
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Divine sovereignty
human agency
existential humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How does acknowledging divine purpose affect personal responsibility?
- What are the implications for moral accountability?
A Different Perspective
Some may view this as undermining human agency or free will.
![“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)
