The phrase “our better angels” resonates deeply, conjuring images of hope and unity even in times of division. But knowing who said our better angels, and the context in which it was spoken, adds even greater weight to its significance. The words come from one of the most pivotal speeches in American history, delivered during a moment of immense national crisis.
Abraham Lincoln’s Appeal to Unity
The famous phrase “our better angels” is from Abraham Lincoln’s first inaugural address, delivered on March 4, 1861. The United States was on the brink of civil war, with several states already having seceded from the Union. Lincoln’s speech was a desperate plea for reconciliation, an attempt to prevent the impending conflict by appealing to the shared history and values of the American people. He understood the gravity of the situation and chose his words with extreme care, aiming to soothe tensions and foster a sense of common ground.
The specific excerpt containing the phrase reads: “I am loath to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.” Lincoln wasn’t just making a political argument; he was making a moral one. He believed that even in the face of deep disagreements, Americans still possessed a fundamental decency and capacity for understanding each other.
To better appreciate the context and power of these words, consider these points:
- Lincoln’s address came after seven states had already seceded.
- He directly addressed the Southern states, assuring them he had no intention to interfere with slavery where it existed.
- The speech aimed to calm fears and avoid further escalation.
Understanding these points provides a framework to the importance of appealing to the “better angels of our nature.”
Want to delve deeper into the full context and meaning of Lincoln’s powerful words? Seek out the original text of his first inaugural address. It provides invaluable insight into the challenges and hopes of a nation on the precipice of war.