What does Abraham Lincoln mean when he said As a nation of free men we shall live forever or die by suicide?

Abraham Lincoln's statement emphasizes the idea that the survival of the nation depends on the preservation of its democratic values and the freedom of its people. He suggests that if the nation fails to uphold these principles, it would lead to self-destruction, akin to suicide. In essence, Lincoln underscores the responsibility of citizens to protect their liberties and the Union, implying that the health of the nation is directly tied to its commitment to freedom and unity.