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About this quote

What does it mean?
Lincoln argues that while many handle hardship, true character is revealed when holding power.
In plain terms
Hardship is easy for many, but power shows who you really are.
What can you take from it?
Test character through how one wields power.

Where it applies

  • leadership roles
  • political office

Putting it to work

  • observe leaders in power

Questions to consider

  • How does power change people?

Another view

Some may develop character only through adversity, not power.

More from Abraham Lincoln

  1. Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.

    Permalink to quote #120
  2. No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar.

    Permalink to quote #122
  3. Marriage is neither heaven nor hell, it is simply purgatory.

    Permalink to quote #119

Related quotes

  1. We are defined by how we use our power.

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  2. It is difficulties that show what men are.

    EpictetusEpictetus quote #5
  3. There is nothing more corrupting, nothing more destructive of the noblest and finest feelings of our nature, than the exercise of unlimited power.

    William Henry HarrisonWilliam Henry Harrison quote #9