“Republicans are for both the man and the dollar, but in case of conflict the man before the dollar.”
- 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
“Republicans are for both the man and the dollar, but in case of conflict the man before the dollar.”
Explanation
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln presents a core principle of the Republican Party of his time, which was emerging as the primary political force opposed to the spread of slavery in the United States. Lincoln states that the party supported both the interests of individuals (“the man”) and the interests of business and commerce (“the dollar”). However, he underscores that when these interests conflict, the well-being of the individual should take precedence over the demands of financial gain. This reflects the Republican Party’s commitment to human rights and freedom, particularly in its opposition to slavery, while also recognizing the importance of a thriving economy.
Historically, this quote speaks to the Republican Party’s foundation in the mid-19th century, which was rooted in the abolitionist movement, economic modernization, and national unity. The party, under Lincoln’s leadership, sought to balance the needs of a growing industrial economy with the moral imperative of emancipating slaves and securing freedom for all Americans. Lincoln’s statement can be seen as a direct challenge to the Democratic Party, which was more closely aligned with the interests of the Southern slaveholding states and their economic dependence on slavery. By placing the man before the dollar, Lincoln was making a moral argument that human dignity and freedom should never be compromised for economic or political gain.
In modern times, this quote resonates with ongoing debates about the role of government in regulating business and protecting individual rights. It speaks to the balance between economic progress and human rights, especially in the context of labor rights, environmental concerns, and the growing divide between wealth and social justice. Lincoln’s prioritization of the human over the dollar can serve as a reminder in contemporary politics that economic policies should be evaluated not just for their financial outcomes but also for their impact on the well-being and rights of individuals. In the face of modern challenges like corporate power, income inequality, and workers’ rights, Lincoln’s words encourage policymakers to consider how their decisions affect the lives of people, especially those who are most vulnerable.
