President Abraham Lincoln Quotes, born February 12, 1809, in Hodgenville, Kentucky, and assassinated on April 15, 1865, in Washington, D.C., was the 16th President of the United States (1861–1865), renowned for leading the nation through the Civil War and abolishing slavery via the Emancipation Proclamation (1863) and the 13th Amendment. A self-educated lawyer and former Illinois legislator, his presidency defined American ideals through iconic speeches like the Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address, blending moral conviction with pragmatic leadership.
These 15 quotes—sourced from his presidential speeches, letters, and posts on X—offer a fresh perspective on his insights into leadership, liberty, equality, and national unity during one of America’s darkest periods, capturing his enduring wisdom as President.
15 President Abraham Lincoln Quotes
- “The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone, will yet swell the chorus of the Union.” (First Inaugural Address, 1861)
- “The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion.” (Annual Message to Congress, 1862)
- “That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom.” (Gettysburg Address, 1863)
- “I appeal to you again to constantly bear in mind that with you, and not with politicians, not with Presidents, not with office-seekers, but with you, is the question, Shall the Union and shall the liberties of this country be preserved?” (Speech to the 166th Ohio Regiment, 1864)
- “The Almighty has His own purposes.” (Second Inaugural Address, 1865)
- “Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away.” (Second Inaugural Address, 1865)
- “It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.” (Gettysburg Address, 1863)
- “In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free—honorable alike in what we give, and what we preserve.” (Annual Message to Congress, 1862)
- “I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost.” (Letter to Lydia Bixby, 1864)
- “The fiery trial through which we pass, will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation.” (Annual Message to Congress, 1862)
- “Our reliance is in the love of liberty which God has planted in our bosoms.” (Speech at Sanitary Fair, Baltimore, 1864)
- “Let us confidently hope that all will yet be well.” (Letter to George C. Latham, 1862)
- “The struggle of today is not altogether for today—it is for a vast future also.” (Annual Message to Congress, 1861)
- “We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth.” (Annual Message to Congress, 1862)
- “Let us do nothing through passion and ill temper.” (Speech to Chicago Sanitary Fair, 1863)
President Abraham Lincoln’s quotes are a stirring blend of resolve, hope, and a call to preserve liberty and unity, inspiring leaders, citizens, and dreamers to rise above challenges with moral clarity. His words from the presidency remain a beacon for justice and democracy, urging us to carry forward the work of a free nation. Which one fuels your passion to stand for what’s right? Drop it in the comments and keep Lincoln’s presidential legacy alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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