What does this mean?

"these things look like the cautious patting and petting of a spirited horse preparatory to mounting him when it is dreaded that may give the rider a fall."

Lincoln uses this metaphor in order to talk about the futility of continuing to support slavery. He tells us that people who defend this position are like those who pat and pet a violent horse as they are preparing to mount it. Just like these people, who already know they are likely to fall, those who support slavery are aware that all their efforts will be pointless, as they will most likely end up failing.

each year on this day, i make it a point to listen to dr. martin luther king jr.’s great “i have a dream” speech. it’s electrifying every single time.

the content of dr. king’s speech, his inspiring presence, and the moment in history all came together to make the iconic “i have a dream” speech the defining moment of the american civil rights movement. but there are several other reasons why this speech, delivered over 50 years ago, remains an example of one of the best speeches in american history.

since part of my job is to people become better presenters, i’ve noticed several techniques that we can all learn from and be inspired by in this magnificent speech.

it’s anchored in a powerful related location

in most cases, you can’t handpick the spot to give a presentation, as mlk did for supreme symbolic effect when he stood on the steps of the lincoln memorial and echoed the opening words of the gettysburg address (“five score years ago . . ). but you absolutely can amplify your message by adapting it to your setting and location.

here's some tricks. write on a book that you have read and really enjoyed. first, start by writing down basic event in the book. have your first paragraph be an intro explaining like the author, the reason the book was written if known, and other backround info like that. paragraph two explain what happens in the first few chapters and the signifigance it had. then for paragraph 3, do the same thing but for the middle. i'm pretty sure you get the point for paragraph 4. just rap things up and explain the call to action. for the final paragragh (paragraph 5) , explain your views on the book, the message, ect. tip: something that might is to go onto cliff notes or something and read the anaylisis of each chapter.

some books i recommend;

diary of anne frank

lord of the flies