Another man Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“When the white man governs himself, that is self-government; but when he governs himself and also governs another man, that is more than self-government-that is despotism.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address on Self-Governance, 1865
It distinguishes self-rule from tyranny, noting that ruling others adds oppression.
In simple terms: Self-rule is good; ruling others becomes tyranny.
Key Takeaway
Beware of power that extends beyond self-governance.
Themes
politics
power
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government policy
- leadership
- colonialism
- organizational hierarchy
Key Concepts
authority
despotism
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it justified to govern others?
- How can societies prevent despotism?
A Different Perspective
Power can be justified when used responsibly.
![“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)
