Change Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“Senator Douglas holds, we know, that a man may rightfully be wiser today than he was yesterday - that he may rightfully change when he finds himself wrong. But can we, for that reason, run ahead, and infer that he will make any particular change, of which he, himself, has given no intimation?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Republican National Convention, 1864
A person can become wiser over time, but past wisdom doesn't guarantee future change without self‑recognition.
In simple terms: Wisdom grows, but change needs self‑awareness.
Key Takeaway
Seek self‑knowledge before assuming change.
Themes
wisdom
change
politics
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- leadership decisions
- personal development
- public discourse
Key Concepts
self‑reflection
growth
prediction
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would you need to trust a change?
- How can leaders demonstrate genuine growth?
A Different Perspective
Assuming change without evidence can be risky.
![“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)
