When reverence for law collapses, Lincoln argues, men of ambition will not be lacking. Such figures seek distinction above all. And when the glory of building has already been claimed by others, these ambitious men will seek distinction by tearing down. The result is precisely the “mobocratic spirit” Lincoln warned would rot a republic from within and prepare the ground for despotism. But while they remain in force, they must be obeyed, for the sake of example.