--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If we could first know where we are, and…" description: "\"“If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could better judge what to do, and how to do it.”\" — Abraham Lincoln" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e52/abraham-lincoln-88_know_if-we-could-first-know-where-we-are-and_1516456.png" --- # If we could first know where we are, and whither we are… ![“If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could better judge what to do, and how to do it.” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e52/abraham-lincoln-88_know_if-we-could-first-know-where-we-are-and_1516456.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e52/abraham-lincoln-88_know_if-we-could-first-know-where-we-are-and_1516456.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e52/abraham-lincoln-88_know_if-we-could-first-know-where-we-are-and_1516456.png) > ““If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could better judge what to do, and how to do it.”” [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. Understanding current state and direction enables better decision making and execution. **In simple terms:** Know where you are and where you’re headed to act wisely. Key Takeaway Assess your situation before planning. Themes self‑awareness strategy decision‑making Mood thoughtful analytical Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - career planning - project management - personal growth Key Concepts philosophy pragmatism Questions to Reflect On - How do you determine your true direction? - What tools help clarify your current position? A Different Perspective Assuming you can accurately gauge direction may be unrealistic. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Tending](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tending/) ## Related quotes > [We must ask where we are and whither we are tending.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/we-must-ask-where-we-are-and-whither-we-are-tending/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [Be the better judge of yourself. 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It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/elections-belong-to-the-people-it-s-their-decision-if-they-decide-to/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [ Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. 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