Ability Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“Surely God would not have created such a being as man, with an ability to grasp the infinite, to exist only for a day! No, no, man was made for immortality.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown source, possibly apocryphal, attributed to Abraham Lincoln, 19th century
Man is designed for eternal purpose, yet his fleeting existence limits his grasp of the infinite, highlighting a paradox of ambition and mortality.
In simple terms: Human ambition clashes with our brief lives.
Key Takeaway
Seek lasting impact beyond a single day.
Themes
mortality
ambition
eternity
human nature
purpose
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal goals
- scientific research
- artistic creation
- spiritual practice
- public service
Key Concepts
philosophical
existential
legacy
Questions to Reflect On
- What lasting contributions can you make within your lifetime?
- How do you reconcile ambition with mortality?
A Different Perspective
Human potential may be constrained by physical limits.
![“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)
