This list has made the E-mail rounds attributed to Abraham Lincoln, but it was actually written by Reverend John Henry Boetcker. They all hold true today but are nearly universally ignored, especially by our government.
You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence.
You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.
Very true, indeed.
ReplyDeleteThe Reverend certainly had the gift of common sense. Thanks, Jordan.
ReplyDeleteMakes me think of the "give a man a fish, versus teach him to fish." good common sense.
ReplyDeleteYep, that's the line I'd bet the Reverend based his views on, Charles.
ReplyDeleteTrue, indeed, and easily forgotten by many.
ReplyDeleteAchievement, thrift, and hard work are all under attack these days, Vesper. If we're not in debt up to our eyeballs and under someone's thumb, the government wants to tax us until we are.
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