"If for this you and I must differ, differ we must”

Posted on: June 11, 2025 at 11:26:03 CT

The phrase "If for this you and I must differ, differ we must" is a famous quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln, often appearing in his letters to his friend Joshua Fry Speed. It expresses the idea that even on matters of deep conviction, one must be willing to respectfully disagree, even if it means a divergence in personal beliefs.
Elaboration:
The quote highlights Lincoln's approach to political and personal disagreements. He believed that even in a divided nation, people could still maintain a strong sense of friendship and respect, while still differing on crucial issues. This sentiment is particularly relevant to the political climate in which Lincoln and Speed exchanged letters, as the nation was deeply divided over the issue of slavery.
Lincoln's letter to Joshua Speed, in which this quote appears, details his concerns about Speed's willingness to compromise on the slavery issue. While Lincoln acknowledges that they might disagree, he emphasizes that their friendship would still remain strong. This underscores Lincoln's belief in the importance of maintaining strong relationships, even when faced with significant differences of opinion