“It is with your aid, as the people, that I think we shall be able to preserve – not the country, for the country will preserve itself, but the institutions of the country – those institutions which have made us free, intelligent and happy – the most free, the most intelligent, and the happiest people on the globe.”
- 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 is with your aid, as the people, that I think we shall be able to preserve – not the country, for the country will preserve itself, but the institutions of the country – those institutions which have made us free, intelligent and happy – the most free, the most intelligent, and the happiest people on the globe.”
Explanation
In this quote, the speaker emphasizes the importance of institutions—the systems, structures, and frameworks that uphold the principles of freedom, intelligence, and happiness in society. The distinction made between preserving the country and preserving its institutions is crucial: the country, as a physical entity, may endure despite external pressures, but the integrity of its founding ideals and systems of governance must be actively maintained. The institutions in question likely refer to democratic structures, legal systems, and the principles of self-governance that have made the people of the country not only free but also capable of achieving a high level of intellectual and personal freedom. The speaker calls upon the collective will of the people to protect these institutions, as they are the foundation of the country’s prosperity.
Historically, this sentiment would have resonated deeply in the context of Abraham Lincoln’s leadership during the American Civil War, when the United States faced the threat of dissolution. Lincoln believed that the preservation of the Union was not merely about maintaining the territorial integrity of the country but about ensuring that the institutions—especially democracy and freedom—were preserved. He viewed these institutions as the pillars of what made America the “most free, the most intelligent, and the happiest people on the globe.” For Lincoln, the Civil War was a struggle not just for the survival of the nation, but for the survival of a constitutional republic based on equality and liberty.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the ongoing importance of democratic institutions in safeguarding freedom and civil rights. It highlights the need for collective engagement and vigilance in protecting democracy, particularly in times of political instability, authoritarian threats, or social unrest. Just as Lincoln rallied the American people to defend the institutions of the Union, modern leaders and citizens must ensure that their own institutions—be it the judicial system, freedom of speech, or the rule of law—remain intact, so that the values of freedom and justice continue to flourish for future generations. The quote serves as a reminder that the strength of a nation lies not only in its territorial borders but in the institutions that embody its values and principles.
