Action Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“The human mind is impelled to action, or held in rest by some power, over which the mind itself has no control.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Gettysburg Address, 1863
The mind is driven by forces beyond its own control, causing action or inertia.
In simple terms: Mind acts or rests due to unseen forces.
Key Takeaway
Recognize external influences on motivation.
Themes
psychology
free will
motivation
Mood
introspective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- decision making
- habit formation
- creative work
- stress management
Key Concepts
determinism
agency
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- What unseen forces shape your actions?
- Can you reclaim agency?
A Different Perspective
Mind may still exercise conscious choice despite influences.
![“Let us realise [that] we are the infinite power. Who put a limit to the power of mind? Let us realise we are all mind. Every drop has the whole of the ocean in it. That is the mind of man. The Indian mind reflects upon these [powers and potentialities] and wants to bring [them] all out. For…” quote by Swami Vivekananda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4dd/swami-vivekananda-53_care_let-us-realise-that-we-are-the-infinite_163975.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)
