Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. As a peacemaker the lawyer has superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough.
Meaning
This quote says that a good lawyer should not treat every disagreement as a battle that must be won in court. When people can reach a fair compromise, they may save time, money, stress, and damaged relationships. Lincoln also points to a wider idea: real success is not always about defeating the other side. Sometimes the better result is helping people find peace. A person who has the ability to settle conflict peacefully has an opportunity to create more good than someone who simply keeps conflicts going.
How to Use
- When a disagreement begins, identify what both sides can accept before focusing only on differences.
- Talk directly and calmly when a problem can reasonably be solved without escalating it.
- Not every disagreement deserves a long argument. Consider the cost of winning before turning a small issue into a major conflict.
- Compromise should solve a problem fairly, not simply pressure one person into giving up.
Copy and Use This Quote
Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. As a peacemaker the lawyer has superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough.
— Abraham Lincoln
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Lincoln mean by “Discourage litigation”?
Lincoln is encouraging lawyers to avoid unnecessary lawsuits when a fair solution can be reached through agreement. His point is not that legal action is never necessary, but that resolving disputes peacefully can often serve people better.
Why does Lincoln encourage compromise?
Compromise can end a disagreement without requiring one side to completely defeat the other. When both parties can accept a fair solution, they may preserve relationships and avoid the greater costs that prolonged conflict can create.
What does Lincoln mean by calling a lawyer a “peacemaker”?
He suggests that a lawyer has a special opportunity to help people resolve disputes rather than simply intensify them. Legal knowledge can be used not only to argue a case, but also to guide people toward a reasonable settlement.
Does this quote mean people should never go to court?
No. Some disputes genuinely require legal action, especially when rights or serious wrongdoing are involved. The broader message is to avoid unnecessary conflict and consider peaceful resolution whenever it can produce a fair and lasting result.
Can this quote apply outside the legal profession?
Yes. Its principle applies to families, workplaces, friendships, and communities. Whenever two people disagree, looking for a fair solution instead of treating the situation as a contest can prevent unnecessary tension and preserve valuable relationships.