Men are not flattered by being shown that there has been a difference of purpose between the Almighty and them.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- People resist criticism that suggests their goals conflict with higher moral principles.
- In plain terms
- Men do not like being told they disagree with God.
- What can you take from it?
- Accusations of moral disagreement provoke defensiveness.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we challenge bad ideas without alienating people?
- Why do we protect our self-image?
Another view
Some people accept moral challenges if presented respectfully.
More from Abraham Lincoln
It is not best to swap horses while crossing the river.
Permalink to quote #97 The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just.
Permalink to quote #99 Beware of rashness, but with energy and sleepless vigilance go forward and give us victories.
Permalink to quote #96
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