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Abraham Lincoln Quotes

1809–1865 United States

Abraham Lincoln (12 February 1809 – 15 April 1865) was the 16th president of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. Initially entering politics as a Whig, he became a member of the US congress from Illinois, and later the first Republican president, leading Union forces throughout the moral, constitutional, political and military crises of the American Civil War, during which he abolished slavery and strengthened the U.S. government.

United States
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Politicians

Also known as: Abe Lincoln, Abraham lincoln, Lincoln, Lincoln, Abraham, The Gettysburg Address

Random Abraham Lincoln quote

351 quotes

I have now come to the conclusion never again to think of marrying, and for this reason; I can never be satisfied with anyone who would be blockhead enough to have me.

He said that he felt "like the boy that stumped his toe,—'it hurt too bad to laugh, and he was too big to cry'".

When I do good I feel good, when I do bad I feel bad, and that's my religion.

In times like the present, men should utter nothing for which they would not willingly be responsible through time and in eternity.

A nation may be said to consist of its territory, its people, and its laws. The territory is the only part which is of certain durability.

Singular indeed that the people should be writhing under oppression and injury, and yet not one among them to be found, to raise the voice of complaint.

I am a slow walker, but I never walk back.

The man who stands by and says nothing, when the peril of his government is discussed, can not be misunderstood. If not hindered, he is sure to help the enemy.

I am rather inclined to silence, and whether that be wise or not, it is at least more unusual nowadays to find a man who can hold his tongue than to find one who cannot.

I freely acknowledge myself the servant of the people, according to the bond of service — the United States constitution; and that, as such, I am responsible to them.

Letter to James C. Conkling (1863)

I know of nothing so pleasant to the mind, as the discovery of anything which is at once new and valuable — nothing which so lightens and sweetens toil, as the hopeful pursuit of such discovery.

Address before the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society (1859)

The people themselves, and not their servants, can safely reverse their own deliberate decisions.

Fourth of July Address to Congress (1861)

That if any one man, choose to enslave another, no third man shall be allowed to object.

The House Divided speech (1858)

Even though much provoked, let us do nothing through passion and ill temper.

Cooper Union speech (1860)

I do not want to issue a document that the whole world will see must necessarily be inoperative, like the Pope's bull against the comet!

Reply to an Emancipation Memorial (1862)

I know that the LORD is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the LORD'S side.

That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Allow the President to invade a neighboring nation whenever he shall deem it necessary... and you allow him to make war at pleasure.

"We trust, Sir, that God is on our side." "It is more important to know that we are on God's side."

I don't know who my grandfather was; I am much more concerned to know what his grandson will be.

The Early Life of Abraham Lincoln (1896)

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Abraham Lincoln (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.