“The mystic cords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone, all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the angels of our nature.”
- 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 mystic cords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone, all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the angels of our nature.”
Explanation
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln uses the metaphor of “mystic cords of memory” to express the deep emotional and historical ties that bind the American people together. These cords stretch across the nation, linking the sacrifices of war—specifically the battlefields and patriot graves—to the hearts and homes of the living. Lincoln evokes the idea that the memory of those who fought for the Union during the Civil War will serve as a lasting force, keeping the country united. The phrase “angels of our nature” refers to the belief that, over time, the moral and spiritual qualities inherent in the American people will ultimately guide them back to a sense of national unity and reconciliation. Lincoln foresees a future in which the legacy of the Union and the sacrifices made to preserve it will inspire and heal the nation, bringing the country together after the devastation of war.
Historically, this quote was spoken at a time when the Civil War was nearing its end, and the nation was grappling with the aftermath of profound division and violence. Lincoln was deeply concerned with reconciliation and healing, and his second inaugural address, where this quote is found, reflects his desire to bring the North and South back together in a spirit of national unity. Lincoln had witnessed the immense cost of the war and understood that while the war’s end might signal a physical peace, true unity would require moral and emotional healing. His reference to the “angels of our nature” implies a sense of hope that the shared values of freedom, equality, and democracy would eventually overcome the divisions created by slavery and rebellion.
In modern times, this quote resonates as a reminder of the power of collective memory and how the experiences of the past continue to shape national identity and values. The “mystic cords of memory” can be understood as the shared experiences and sacrifices that form the foundation of a nation’s unity. This idea is particularly relevant in times of national division or conflict, as it suggests that the remembrance of shared struggles and sacrifices can serve as a unifying force. The idea of being touched by the “angels of our nature” speaks to the belief that moral clarity, compassion, and justice will ultimately guide societies toward reconciliation and peace. It calls on individuals and nations to look toward their best qualities—their capacity for empathy, understanding, and cooperation—as a means to overcome divisions and build a stronger, more united future.
