“If a man had more than one life, I think a little hanging would not hurt this one; but after he is once dead, we cannot bring him back, no matter how sorry we may be; so the boy shall be pardoned.”
- 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.
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Quote
“If a man had more than one life, I think a little hanging would not hurt this one; but after he is once dead, we cannot bring him back, no matter how sorry we may be; so the boy shall be pardoned.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Abraham Lincoln’s pragmatic approach to justice and mercy. The context here involves a young man who had committed a crime, and Lincoln was deciding whether to grant him clemency. The quote speaks to Lincoln’s belief in the finality of death and how irreversible decisions, particularly life-and-death ones, should not be made lightly. By acknowledging that if a person were given multiple lives, the consequences of their actions could be corrected, Lincoln points out the importance of second chances—but once a life is lost, it is gone forever.
The historical context of this quote comes from a time of deep national division during the Civil War, when Lincoln had to make difficult decisions, including those involving military justice and pardons. The underlying theme here is a reflection on human fallibility—that we should act with mercy and caution when lives are at stake, as errors are irreversible. This attitude mirrors Lincoln’s broader political philosophy, which often sought reconciliation and healing rather than punishment and retribution.
In modern terms, this quote can be applied to the complex debates surrounding criminal justice, especially the death penalty. It highlights the ethical dilemma of making decisions with irreversible consequences, and how society must weigh the balance between justice, mercy, and the potential for redemption. Lincoln’s viewpoint resonates today with those who advocate for second chances and criminal justice reform, especially in cases where the legal system has been proven to have errors or biases.
