Critics Quotes
Anybody will do for you, but not for me. I must have somebody.
"Anybody will do for you, but not for me. I must have somebody."— Abraham Lincoln
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Meaning of this quote
Choosing someone for an important job requires more than accepting any available person. The reply contrasts a critic’s easy suggestion with the responsibility of making an appointment.
Key takeaway:
Match a demanding role with someone capable of doing it.
Origin of the quote
Reported Lincoln response to Senator Benjamin Wade about military leadership.
Who actually said this?
Commonly attributedThe historical account repeats the exchange, but an original dated contemporary record was not independently established. Treat it as a reported anecdote.
