How does this play out in today’s environment?
You cannot bring prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.
You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich.
You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.
You cannot further brotherhood of men by inciting class hatred.
You cannot establish security on borrowed money.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away man’s initiative and independence.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.
I will elaborate more on this post as time permits.
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Lincoln never said that. The saying is by Reverend William John Henry Boetcker (1873-1962). Check http://www.illinoishistory.gov/facsimiles.htm
Just another example how bad presidents (Lincoln, FDR to name a couple of top ones) are portrayed as infinitely wise benevolent saviors, while those who actually did something really good (like Harding with economy in 1921) are portrayed as deplorable rascals.