United we stand, divided we fall

Definition

People are stronger and more successful when they work together than when they act separately or in opposition to each other.

Etymology

This phrase traces back to Aesop's fable 'The Four Oxen and the Lion' and was famously used by Jesus in the Bible ('a house divided against itself cannot stand'). It gained prominence in American politics when used by Patrick Henry and later Abraham Lincoln, becoming a rallying cry for unity during times of national crisis.

Kelly Says

The phrase's power lies in its simple architectural metaphor - just as a building needs all its supports working together to remain upright, societies and groups need cooperation to survive external threats. It's fascinating how this ancient wisdom has been adopted by everyone from labor unions to sports teams, proving that the principle of collective strength transcends cultural and temporal boundaries.

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