Burning Quote by Abraham Lincoln
“When we were the political slaves of King George, and wanted to be free, we called the maxim that "all men are created equal" a self evident truth; but now when we have grown fat, and have lost all dread of being slaves ourselves, we have become so greedy to be masters that we call the same maxim "a self evident lie" The fourth of July has not quite dwindled away; it is still a great day-for burning fire-crackers!!!”
About This Quote
The statement critiques how foundational ideals of equality are twisted by those in power, turning a universal truth into a self‑serving lie.
In simple terms: Equality is often corrupted by greed.
Key Takeaway
Guard against hypocrisy.
Themes
politics
equality
hypocrisy
history
freedom
Mood
critical
reflective
historical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- education
- civil rights activism
- public policy
Key Concepts
social contract
moral decay
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies protect core values?
- What mechanisms expose such hypocrisy?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex history.
![“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)
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
