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About this quote

What does it mean?
Mentioning Abraham Lincoln tends to overshadow other points due to his iconic status.
In plain terms
Talking about Lincoln steals the show because he is so famous.
What can you take from it?
Be cautious using Lincoln as an example in arguments.

Where it applies

  • public speaking
  • politics
  • debate

Putting it to work

  • choosing less dominant examples
  • anticipating focus shift

Questions to consider

  • Why does Lincoln dominate discourse?
  • How do we balance historical references?

Another view

Lincoln is sometimes relevant regardless of his overshadowing power.

More from Kurt Vonnegut

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  2. We've sure come a long way since then. Sometimes I wish we hadn't. I hate H-bombs and the Jerry Springer show.

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