“The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew.”
- 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
“The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew.”
Explanation
This quote speaks to the necessity of adaptability and innovation in times of crisis or change. Lincoln argues that the ideas and principles that served in a more stable and peaceful time (the “quiet past”) are no longer sufficient to address the complexities of the present moment, which is filled with difficulty and uncertainty. The “stormy present” reflects the tumultuous period leading up to and during the American Civil War, where the nation’s foundational issues, particularly slavery and national unity, required a fresh approach. Lincoln urges that, given the newness of the situation, the country must think anew—that is, reconsider old assumptions—and act anew, applying creativity and resolve to navigate unprecedented challenges.
Historically, Lincoln’s words reflect his understanding of the deep divisions in the country and the need for new solutions to resolve the conflict over slavery and the preservation of the Union. The quote emphasizes the necessity of redefining what it meant to be American and what the country stood for, particularly in the context of the Civil War. The traditional approaches to compromise and states’ rights had failed to reconcile the North and South, and Lincoln saw that only a radical shift in thinking—rooted in moral clarity and the preservation of the Union—could resolve the crisis. His call for new thinking was also reflected in his decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation and to push for the 13th Amendment, both of which marked a dramatic departure from previous policies regarding slavery.
In modern times, this quote remains relevant when societies face unprecedented challenges—whether in politics, economics, or global crises like climate change or pandemics. It speaks to the need for bold action and the willingness to rethink old solutions that no longer work. In times of rapid change, old dogmas and approaches may become insufficient, and societies must be willing to adapt, innovate, and act decisively to move forward. The quote is a reminder that, in difficult times, creativity and resolve are necessary to navigate the stormy present and shape a better future.
