This quote emphasizes the concept of using personal flaws or negative traits for the benefit of society. “Individual meanness” refers to the selfish, petty, or otherwise negative aspects of human nature that we all possess to some degree. “Honest statesmanship” is the act of governing or leading with integrity, and according to Lincoln, this involves harnessing these negative traits and using them for the “public good”.

Lincoln suggests that an effective leader is one who can take these negative traits and channel them into actions that benefit the larger community. This might involve turning selfishness into a drive for economic growth, or pettiness into a meticulous attention to detail. The key is to transform these traits from something that harms others into something that helps them.

In today’s world, this quote is still highly relevant. For instance, politicians could use their ambition not just for personal gain but to strive for policies that will benefit their constituents. On a corporate level, leaders could utilize their competitive nature to innovate and improve their products or services, leading to job creation and economic growth.

On a personal development level, this quote suggests that rather than trying to eliminate our flaws, we should focus on how we can use them in a positive way. For example, someone who is naturally argumentative might channel that trait into becoming an effective advocate for causes they believe in. Or someone who is overly critical might use that trait to excel in a job that requires meticulous attention to detail.

In essence, this quote is about the transformative power of perspective and the ability to use seemingly negative traits to effect positive change.