“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong.”
What this quote means
Abraham Lincoln, a great American president, expresses here an ethic of life based on integrity rather than victory. He does not promise to win, but he commits to remaining faithful to his principles and to the inner light that guides him. This quote invites us to define our values and stick to them, even in the face of failure or opposition. It also underscores the importance of allying with those who defend what is right, and distancing ourselves when they stray. In a world where success is often idolized, Lincoln reminds us that the true measure of a life is consistency with one's convictions.
How to apply it daily
Take a moment to clarify your core values. Today, make a decision or take an action that reflects one of those values, even if it does not lead to immediate gain.
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