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About this quote

What does it mean?
Lincoln advises ensuring your foundation or position is correct before committing to a stance.
In plain terms
Make sure you are standing on solid ground before you stand firm.
What can you take from it?
Verify your foundation before committing.

Where it applies

  • career choices
  • ethical decisions

Putting it to work

  • assess before committing

Questions to consider

  • Is your current position sound?

Another view

Sometimes you must act before being sure.

More from Abraham Lincoln

  1. I will study and get ready, and perhaps my chance will come.

    Permalink to quote #103
  2. Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.

    Permalink to quote #105
  3. America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.

    Permalink to quote #102

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