Abraham Lincoln Famous Sayings, 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), celebrated for guiding the nation through the Civil War and abolishing slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment. A self-taught lawyer and Illinois legislator, his eloquent speeches, like the Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address, defined American ideals of freedom, equality, and democracy. Known for his wit, humility, and moral conviction, Lincoln’s sayings resonate globally.
These 15 famous sayings—sourced from his speeches, letters, writings, and posts on X—offer a fresh selection of his iconic expressions on liberty, justice, leadership, and resilience, capturing his timeless wisdom and enduring legacy.
15 Abraham Lincoln Famous Sayings
- “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty.” (Gettysburg Address, 1863)
- “As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master.” (Fragment on Democracy, 1858)
- “The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “We must not be enemies.” (First Inaugural Address, 1861)
- “I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true.” (Letter to George E. Pickett, 1864)
- “If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong.” (Letter to Albert G. Hodges, 1864)
- “You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.” (Speech to 140th Indiana Regiment, 1865)
- “I do the very best I know how—the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.” (Letter to Horace Greeley, 1862)
- “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present.” (Annual Message to Congress, 1862)
- “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” (QuoteFancy, n.d.)
- “We can succeed only by concert. It is not ‘can any of us imagine better?’ but ‘can we all do better?’” (Annual Message to Congress, 1862)
- “Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “The Lord prefers common-looking people. That is why he made so many of them.” (Post on X, @LincolnLegacy, 2025-02-12)
Abraham Lincoln’s famous sayings are a vibrant mix of moral clarity, practical wisdom, and a call to uphold freedom and unity, inspiring leaders, dreamers, and everyday folks to act with purpose and integrity. His iconic words continue to guide us toward a just and equal world, sparking hope and action. Which one gets you fired up to make a difference? Drop it in the comments and keep Lincoln’s legendary 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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