On the recordFebruary 27, 1860
An enthusiast broods over the oppression of a people till he fancies himself commissioned by Heaven to liberate them.
Source
gutenberg.orgAbraham Lincoln: “An enthusiast broods over the oppression of a people till he fancies himself commissioned by Heaven to liberate them.”
Editor's note · Context
In his Cooper Union Address, Lincoln describes the mindset of an individual driven to extreme acts by a perceived divine mission to end oppression.
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Apr 11, 1865
As a general rule I abstain from reading the reports of attacks upon myself, wishing not to be provoked by that to which I cannot properly offer an answer.
Apr 11, 1865
If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.
Apr 11, 1865
Unlike a case of war between independent nations, there is no organized organ for us to treat with,--no one man has authority to give up the rebellion for any other man.
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