--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If there is no military need for the…" description: "\"If there is no military need for the building, leave it alone, neither putting anyone in or out of it, except on finding some one preaching or practici..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/467/abraham-lincoln-88_atheism_if-there-is-no-military-need-for-the-bui_1036303.jpg" --- # If there is no military need for the building, leave it… ![“If there is no military need for the building, leave it alone, neither putting anyone in or out of it, except on finding some one preaching or practicing treason, in which case lay hands on him, just as if he were doing the same thing in any other building.” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/467/abraham-lincoln-88_atheism_if-there-is-no-military-need-for-the-bui_1036303.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/467/abraham-lincoln-88_atheism_if-there-is-no-military-need-for-the-bui_1036303.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/467/abraham-lincoln-88_atheism_if-there-is-no-military-need-for-the-bui_1036303.jpg) > “If there is no military need for the building, leave it alone, neither putting anyone in or out of it, except on finding some one preaching or practicing treason, in which case lay hands on him, just as if he were doing the same thing in any other building.” [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Only those who threaten the state should be punished; otherwise, buildings remain neutral spaces for all. **In simple terms:** Do not punish unless treason. Key Takeaway Punish only treason. Themes law justice neutrality Mood legal ethical Type political historical When to use this quote - public building use - protest gatherings - community events - political dissent Key Concepts civil liberties state authority Questions to Reflect On - When is it justified to intervene? - Who decides what counts as treason? A Different Perspective Enforcement can be subjective and politicized. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Atheism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/atheism/) [Military](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/military/) [Positive atheism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/positive-atheism/) [Treason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/treason/) ## Related quotes > [We need to embed our forces - our troops inside the Iraqi military. We need to arm directly the Kurds. 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