Skip to content

Battle Quote by Abraham Lincoln

“Wise statesmen ... established these great self-evident truths, that when in the distant future some man, some faction, some interest, should set up the doctrine that none but rich men, or none but white men, were entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, their posterity should look…” quote by Abraham Lincoln
Download Open image
“Wise statesmen ... established these great self-evident truths, that when in the distant future some man, some faction, some interest, should set up the doctrine that none but rich men, or none but white men, were entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, their posterity should look up again at the Declaration of Independence and take courage to renew the battle which their fathers began.”

Abraham Lincoln

About This Quote

Source Speech: Gettysburg Address, 1863

Lincoln warns that future generations may misuse the Declaration’s ideals to justify inequality, urging vigilance to protect universal rights.

In simple terms: Future misuse of rights must be resisted.

Key Takeaway

Defend equality for all.

Themes

equality rights vigilance justice

Mood

determined hopeful

Type

historical political inspirational

When to use this quote

  • Political discourse
  • education curricula
  • legal reforms
  • community activism

Key Concepts

Democracy social contract civil rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • How will you challenge exclusionary narratives?
  • What actions ensure rights remain universal?
A Different Perspective

People may ignore systemic biases, making renewal difficult.

4.0 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Abraham Lincoln

Explore all 1,438 Abraham Lincoln quotes

More Battle quotes

Browse all 4,144 Battle quotes