“If ever I feel the soul within me elevate and expand to those dimensions not wholly unworthy of its Almighty Architect, it is when I contemplate the cause of my country, deserted by all the world beside, and I standing up boldly and lone and hurling defiance at her victorious oppressors.”
- February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865
- American
- Politician, lawyer
- As the 16th President of the United States, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation and led the Civil War to maintain the unity of the nation.
Quote
“If ever I feel the soul within me elevate and expand to those dimensions not wholly unworthy of its Almighty Architect, it is when I contemplate the cause of my country, deserted by all the world beside, and I standing up boldly and lone and hurling defiance at her victorious oppressors.”
Explanation
This quote reflects a profound sense of patriotism and self-sacrifice in the face of overwhelming adversity. The speaker describes moments when their soul feels elevated, suggesting a spiritual or moral transcendence when standing up for their country in the most dire of circumstances. The feeling of being “deserted by all the world” emphasizes the loneliness and abandonment experienced by those who fight for a cause that seems lost, yet the act of standing up against “victorious oppressors” is portrayed as a moment of heroic defiance and personal integrity.
The historical context of this statement might relate to a time when a nation or cause was under severe external pressure or occupation, drawing comparisons to moments in history such as revolutionary struggles, wars of independence, or even the American Revolution itself. The speaker finds strength in their defiance, standing alone but steadfast in their belief that their country’s cause is righteous, even when it is unpopular or seems doomed to fail. This type of individual resolve in the face of national crisis has been a central theme in many moments of resistance, whether in the American Revolution, the French Resistance during World War II, or anti-colonial movements across the globe.
In modern times, the quote resonates with individuals or movements standing up against oppression, injustice, or tyranny, often in situations where they feel isolated or unsupported. It also connects to personal experiences of moral courage, where standing up for what is right can feel like a solitary battle, yet one that is essential for maintaining dignity and integrity. This sentiment of defiance and the moral elevation it brings is seen in figures like Gandhi or Nelson Mandela, who maintained their principles in the face of overwhelming odds and in the face of a world that seemed indifferent or hostile.
