That some should be rich, shows that others may become rich, and hence is just encouragement to industry and enterprise. Let not him who is houseless pull down the house of another; but let him labor diligently and build one for himself, thus by example assuring that his own shall be safe from violence when built.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Wealth shows possibility for others, but people should build own homes peacefully.
- In plain terms
- Wealth encourages industry, but build your own house peacefully.
- What can you take from it?
- Build your own wealth through diligence.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is wealth a sign of justice?
- How do we ensure safety?
Another view
It assumes equal opportunity for building wealth.
More from Abraham Lincoln
We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, we…
Permalink to quote #42 I am a slow walker, but I never walk back.
Permalink to quote #44 And by virtue of the power, and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of S…
Permalink to quote #41
Related quotes
The proprietor, producing neither by his own labor nor by his implement, and receiving products in exchange for nothing, is either a parasite or a thief.
P. J. ProudhonP. J. Proudhon quote #12 If I were asked to answer the following question: What is slavery? and I should answer in one word, It is murder, my meaning would be understood at once. No ex…
P. J. ProudhonP. J. Proudhon quote #3 'The shame is compounded by the failure of developed countries to commit enough of their wealth and resources to helping poor populations from developing count…
Laisenia QaraseLaisenia Qarase quote #3