“If the great American people will only keep their temper, on both sides of the line, the troubles will come to an end, and the question which now distracts the country will be settled just as surely as all other difficulties of like character which have originated in this government have been adjusted.”
- 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 the great American people will only keep their temper, on both sides of the line, the troubles will come to an end, and the question which now distracts the country will be settled just as surely as all other difficulties of like character which have originated in this government have been adjusted.”
Explanation
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln is urging the American people to maintain their composure and patience in the midst of the national crises—most likely referring to the Civil War and the deeply divisive issue of slavery. He expresses his belief that if both Union and Confederate citizens can remain calm and act with reason, the conflict will eventually resolve itself, much like previous crises in the nation’s history had been settled. Lincoln stresses that temperance—not giving in to anger, hatred, or rash action—is crucial to bringing peace and resolving the deep divisions tearing the country apart.
Historically, Lincoln was speaking at a time when the United States was locked in a bitter civil war, and the question of slavery was at the heart of the conflict. His call for the American people to keep their temper was a plea for restraint and rational thought over violence or emotional reaction. Lincoln believed that, much like earlier challenges the nation had faced—such as the War of 1812, or the national crises of the 1830s—the country could overcome even the greatest trials if the people held to their fundamental ideals of democracy and self-governance. His optimism here reflects his deep faith in the endurance of the Union and the wisdom of the American people.
In modern terms, this quote can be interpreted as a call for unity and calm in times of national crisis. Whether dealing with political polarization, social unrest, or international conflicts, Lincoln’s words suggest that rational dialogue and the ability to listen to opposing views are essential in resolving complex issues. The idea that keeping one’s temper can lead to eventual resolution remains highly relevant in contemporary politics, where heated debates and extreme partisanship often threaten to hinder constructive progress.
