Meaning: This quote is attributed to Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, and it addresses the assertion that "all men are created equal." The quote suggests that this assertion, which is famously found in the Declaration of Independence, was not immediately instrumental in the separation of the American colonies from Great Britain. Instead, Lincoln implies that the inclusion of this statement in the Declaration was meant for future use, indicating that its significance would be realized and utilized in the ongoing development and application of the principles of equality and freedom in the United States.

The phrase "all men are created equal" is one of the most iconic and enduring statements in American history. It is found in the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The document, primarily drafted by Thomas Jefferson, asserts that "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

While the phrase itself is celebrated as a cornerstone of American ideals, Lincoln's reflection on its practical utility during the struggle for independence provides a thought-provoking perspective. It acknowledges the complexity of historical processes and the evolving significance of foundational principles. In essence, Lincoln seems to be suggesting that the true impact and implementation of the principle of equality took time to materialize and that its inclusion in the Declaration was a forward-looking gesture, anticipating its future relevance and application.

The context in which Lincoln made this statement is also significant. As a leader who presided over a deeply divided nation during the Civil War, Lincoln grappled with the profound implications of equality and freedom. His presidency was marked by the emancipation of enslaved individuals through the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the fulfillment of the principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence.

Lincoln's reflection on the practical use of the assertion that "all men are created equal" invites consideration of the complexities of history, the ongoing struggle for equality, and the ways in which foundational principles evolve and come to shape the trajectory of a nation. It underscores the idea that the true impact of such principles may not be immediately apparent, and their significance may be realized and utilized in the future, as the nation continues to grapple with the challenges of equality, justice, and freedom.

In conclusion, Abraham Lincoln's statement provides a thought-provoking perspective on the assertion that "all men are created equal" and its inclusion in the Declaration of Independence. It invites reflection on the evolving significance of foundational principles, the complexities of historical processes, and the ongoing struggle for equality and freedom. Lincoln's recognition of the future use of this assertion underscores its enduring relevance in shaping the trajectory of the United States and the ongoing pursuit of a more just and equitable society.