On the recordFebruary 22, 1842
Posterity has done nothing for us; and theorize on it as we may, practically we shall do very little for it, unless we are made to think we are at the same time doing something for ourselves.
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gutenberg.orgAbraham Lincoln: “Posterity has done nothing for us; and theorize on it as we may, practically we shall do very little for it, unless we…”
Editor's note · Context
In a speech advocating for temperance, Lincoln explains the practical limits of altruism and the need for self-interest in motivating action.
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