This quote illustrates Lincoln’s preference for passion, intensity, and urgency when it comes to delivering a message or a speech. The imagery of a man fighting bees suggests a scene of chaos, energy, and high stakes, which is how Lincoln believes a preacher should act when delivering his sermon. This doesn’t necessarily mean being physically agitated or chaotic, but rather showing a sense of urgency, passion, and dedication to the message being delivered.
In other words, Lincoln is suggesting that when a person speaks about something they believe in, their delivery should be so fervent and compelling that it captures the attention of the audience, much like a person would be unable to ignore someone who is in the midst of a swarm of bees.
Applying this to today’s world, this quote can be seen as a call to authenticity and passion in our communication. In an age where information is abundant and attention spans are short, the ability to convey a message with passion and urgency is more important than ever. Whether it’s a political leader rallying for support, a CEO inspiring their employees, or an activist fighting for a cause, the need to ‘fight bees’ when preaching is critical.
In terms of personal development, this quote can serve as a reminder to approach our passions, interests, and beliefs with intensity and fervor. It’s not enough to simply believe in something, we must also be willing to fight for it and communicate it with urgency and sincerity. This can be applied to our personal goals, career ambitions, or even our relationships. Essentially, it’s about living and communicating our truths with the same intensity as if we were in a battle with a swarm of bees.
