Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it.
Meaning
Freedom is not something we should demand for ourselves while taking it away from others. This quote says that denying another person's freedom is deeply unjust and ultimately weakens the person who does it. A person who wants respect must also be willing to give respect. When we treat others unfairly, we create the same kind of world we would not want for ourselves. True freedom therefore carries a responsibility: we should protect the dignity and liberty of others, not only our own.
How to Use
- Allow others to have reasonable opinions, preferences, and personal choices even when they differ from yours.
- If you are a parent, teacher, manager, or leader, avoid using your position to silence or control people unnecessarily.
- Before judging someone, ask whether you would consider the same treatment fair if you were in their position.
- When someone is being denied a basic freedom or treated unfairly, do not support the injustice simply because it benefits you.
Copy and Use This Quote
Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it.
— Abraham Lincoln
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does “deny freedom to others” mean?
It means taking away another person's rightful ability to think, speak, choose, or live freely. The quote warns against demanding liberty for ourselves while refusing to extend the same basic principle to others.
What is the main message of this Abraham Lincoln quote?
The central message is that freedom must be shared fairly. We cannot reasonably claim liberty as our own while deliberately denying it to others. Justice requires consistency between what we expect for ourselves and what we allow others to have.
Does this quote mean people can do anything they want?
No. Freedom does not mean having unlimited permission to harm others. The quote is about unjustly denying people's liberty. A fair society can have reasonable rules while still protecting people's basic rights and dignity.
How can this quote apply to everyday relationships?
It can guide how we treat family members, friends, classmates, and coworkers. Give others room to express different views, make reasonable choices, and maintain their dignity instead of using control simply because you have more authority.
Why does Lincoln say those who deny freedom cannot long retain it?
The statement expresses Lincoln's belief that injustice is unstable. A system built on denying freedom creates conflict and resistance rather than lasting fairness. The quote presents liberty not as a privilege for a few, but as a principle that should be respected broadly.