“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong.”
- 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
“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong.”
Explanation
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln outlines his commitment to integrity and moral consistency over the pursuit of personal success or victory. He emphasizes that while he is not obligated to win or succeed, he is bound to remain true to his principles and act in alignment with the truth as he understands it. This reflects Lincoln’s deep sense of personal responsibility, wherein he values doing what is morally right above achieving victory, no matter the outcome. The statement “live by the light that I have” highlights the idea of acting according to the knowledge and understanding available to him at any given time, suggesting a humble but determined approach to leadership.
Historically, this quote reflects Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War, where he faced monumental challenges and difficult decisions. Throughout his presidency, Lincoln adhered to his core principles, such as the preservation of the Union and the abolition of slavery, even when those decisions were unpopular or uncertain. His willingness to stand by what he believed to be right, even when it required parting ways with political allies or enduring criticism, is exemplified in this quote. The idea of standing with those who are right, regardless of personal loyalty or gain, underscores Lincoln’s commitment to moral leadership, even when it meant facing great personal and political costs.
In modern contexts, this quote is a reminder of the importance of ethical integrity and principled action in leadership and personal conduct. It challenges us to prioritize truth and justice over success and personal gain, especially in difficult or morally ambiguous situations. The idea of standing with those who are “right” and parting ways when they are “wrong” can be applied to contemporary issues of moral courage, accountability, and the importance of maintaining ethical standards, even in the face of pressure or adversity. In a world where compromise and expediency are often prioritized, Lincoln’s commitment to staying true to his values is a powerful call to act with integrity and conviction.
