My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that. What I do about slavery, and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union; and what I forbear, I forbear because I do not believe it would help to save the Union. I shall do less whenever I shall believe what I am doing hurts the cause, and I shall do more whenever I shall believe doing more will help the cause. I shall try to correct errors when shown to be errors; and I shall adopt new views so fast as they shall appear to be true views.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Lincoln states his main goal is preserving the Union, and his actions on slavery depend only on whether they help that goal.
- In plain terms
- His main goal is saving the Union, not ending slavery, unless it helps save the Union.
- What can you take from it?
- Leadership priorities may shift based on practical outcomes rather than pure ideology.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can pragmatism justify moral compromise?
- Is the Union more important than freedom?
Another view
It treats slavery purely as a tool for union, ignoring its inherent immorality.
More from Abraham Lincoln
You and I are different races. We have between us a broader difference than exists between almost any other races. Whether it be right or wrong, I need not dis…
Permalink to quote #35 May our children and our children's children to a thousand generations, continue to enjoy the benefits conferred upon us by a united country, and have cause ye…
Permalink to quote #37 I am a patient man - always willing to forgive on the Christian terms of repentance; and also to give ample time for repentance. Still I must save this governm…
Permalink to quote #34
Related quotes
The Slavs are to work for us. Insofar as we do not need them, they may die. Therefore, compulsory vaccination and German health service are superfluous. The fe…
Martin BormannMartin Bormann quote #1 'In the same way that the Soviets' Sputnik satellite woke up the country to the need for math and science education, the outsourcing conversation cries out for…
Ken KayKen Kay quote #1 I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a new deal for the American people.
Franklin Delano RooseveltFranklin Delano Roosevelt quote #2