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Now, as ever, I wish not to misrepresent Judge Douglas's position, question his motives, or do aught that can be personally offensive to him. Whenever, if ever, he and we can come together on principle so that our cause may have assistance from his great ability, I hope to have interposed no adventitious obstacle. But clearly, he is not now with us - he does not pretend to be - he does not promise ever to be. Our cause, then, must be intrusted to, and conducted by, its own undoubted friends - those whose hands are free, whose hearts are in the work - who do care for the result.

Abraham Lincoln#78

PoliticsLeadershipIntegrityFriendshipCauseDedicationPrinciple

About this quote

What does it mean?
Lincoln states he will not hinder cooperation with opponents but notes they must rely on committed friends to advance their cause.
In plain terms
He wishes no ill will to opponents but knows his cause must be led by those truly committed to it.
What can you take from it?
Success depends on those who care deeply about the outcome.

Where it applies

  • political campaigns
  • team leadership
  • negotiation

Putting it to work

  • identifying allies
  • building committed teams
  • maintaining principles

Questions to consider

  • When is it better to work alone than to compromise?
  • How do you measure true commitment in a cause?

Another view

Excluding opponents can limit potential growth and consensus.

More from Abraham Lincoln

  1. Senator Douglas holds, we know, that a man may rightfully be wiser today than he was yesterday - that he may rightfully | change when he finds himself wrong. B…

    Permalink to quote #77
  2. Of strange, discordant, and even hostile elements, we gathered from the four winds, and formed and fought the battle through, under the constant hot fire of a …

    Permalink to quote #79
  3. There are those who denounce us openly to their own friends and yet whisper us softly, that Senator Douglas is the aptest instrument there is with which to eff…

    Permalink to quote #76

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