“It was that which gave promise that in due time the weights should be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should have an equal chance. This is the sentiment embodied in that Declaration of Independence.”
- 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
“It was that which gave promise that in due time the weights should be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should have an equal chance. This is the sentiment embodied in that Declaration of Independence.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Abraham Lincoln’s deep commitment to the ideals of equality and freedom as articulated in the Declaration of Independence. The “weights” referred to in the quote symbolize the oppressions and inequities that hinder individuals from achieving their full potential. Lincoln believed that the Declaration’s promise—that “all men are created equal”—was not just a lofty ideal, but a call to action that should guide the nation toward a future where equality is not just a theoretical concept, but a reality. The reference to “lifting the weights” alludes to the ongoing struggle for freedom from slavery, discrimination, and other forms of oppression.
Historically, this quote reflects the moral vision Lincoln held for the United States. During his presidency, he sought to realize the promise of the Declaration of Independence by ending slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation and supporting the passage of the 13th Amendment. Lincoln was profoundly influenced by the founding principles of the nation and saw the Civil War as a crucial moment to fulfill the nation’s original ideals. For Lincoln, the fight against slavery was not just a war over states’ rights or political power; it was a moral fight to ensure that all Americans could one day enjoy the freedom and opportunity promised in the nation’s founding documents.
In modern times, this sentiment still resonates in movements for civil rights, gender equality, and economic justice. Lincoln’s vision of lifting burdens from people—whether they are related to racial inequality, gender discrimination, or economic opportunity—continues to be a driving force behind social change. For instance, initiatives to reduce income inequality, expand voting rights, and fight racial discrimination echo Lincoln’s belief in the need to guarantee equal opportunity for all. As society progresses, the work of realizing equality remains a central challenge, but the enduring influence of Lincoln’s belief in the principles of the Declaration continues to inspire those striving for a more just and equitable world.
