On the record
In a storm at sea no one on board can wish the ship to sink, and yet not unfrequently all go down together because too many will direct and no single mind can be allowed to control.
Source
gutenberg.orgAbraham Lincoln: “In a storm at sea no one on board can wish the ship to sink, and yet not unfrequently all go down together because too…”
Editor's note · Context
Lincoln uses a maritime metaphor to illustrate the dangers of divided command.
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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.
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If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business.
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If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.
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