“There may sometimes be ungenerous attempts to keep a young man down; and they will succeed, too, if he allows his mind to be diverted from its true channel to brood over the attempted injury.”
- 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
“There may sometimes be ungenerous attempts to keep a young man down; and they will succeed, too, if he allows his mind to be diverted from its true channel to brood over the attempted injury.”
Explanation
In this quote, Lincoln warns against the destructive power of resentment and self-pity, advising that young men, or anyone facing obstacles, should not allow negative actions from others to divert them from their goals. The “ungenerous attempts” refer to efforts by others to undermine or hold back an individual, often out of jealousy, fear, or malice. However, Lincoln stresses that such attempts can only succeed if the individual focuses on the perceived injustice rather than staying focused on their own purpose and ambition. By not dwelling on the injury, the individual preserves their mental energy and direction.
The historical context of this quote reflects Lincoln’s own experiences as he overcame significant hardships in his early life, including poverty, lack of formal education, and being dismissed or ridiculed by others. Despite these challenges, Lincoln persisted in his ambition to improve himself and enter the political sphere. His success was in large part due to his ability to ignore the slights and limitations imposed by others and to stay focused on his goals, such as his desire for justice and his later work in preserving the Union.
In modern times, this quote is a powerful reminder for anyone facing adversity, particularly young people, to remain resilient and not let external negativity derail their progress. Whether in workplace dynamics, social challenges, or personal growth, the message is clear: the most effective response to criticism and setbacks is to stay determined and keep one’s focus on what truly matters. This mindset can be the difference between failure and success, especially when navigating environments that may seem hostile or dismissive.
