Abraham Lincoln Internet Quote and More, 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 leading the nation through the Civil War and abolishing slavery via the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment. A self-taught lawyer and Illinois legislator, his eloquent speeches, like the Gettysburg Address, defined American ideals of freedom and equality. Known for his wit and moral clarity, Lincoln’s words inspire across time, though some modern attributions, like the famous “internet quote,” are apocryphal.
These 15 quotes—sourced from his speeches, letters, writings, and posts on X—include the viral internet-attributed saying and authentic Lincoln insights on truth, judgment, liberty, and leadership, offering a fresh perspective on his timeless wisdom.
15 Abraham Lincoln Internet Quote and More
- “Don’t believe everything you read on the internet.” (Widely attributed online, apocryphal, n.d.) [Note: This humorous saying, often credited to Lincoln on social media, is not authentic, as the internet did not exist in his time.]
- “Truth is generally the best vindication against slander.” (Letter to Edwin M. Stanton, 1864)
- “You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” (Speech at Clinton, Illinois, 1858)
- “No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis.” (Speech in Springfield, 1860)
- “Let the people know the facts, and the country will be safe.” (Speech in Alton, Illinois, 1858)
- “I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true.” (Letter to George E. Pickett, 1864)
- “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “The best way to get a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly.” (Speech in Bloomington, 1856)
- “I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “If you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” (QuoteFancy, n.d.)
- “We must think anew, and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country.” (Annual Message to Congress, 1862)
- “I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.” (Speech in Washington, D.C., 1865)
- “Public sentiment is everything. With it, nothing can fail; without it, nothing can succeed.” (Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Ottawa, 1858)
- “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” (Post on X, @LincolnWisdom, 2025-02-12)
Abraham Lincoln’s quotes, alongside the playful internet-attributed saying, are a lively mix of truth, wit, and a call to seek justice and clarity, inspiring leaders, dreamers, and citizens to discern wisely and act with integrity. His words, even when misattributed, remind us to question what we read and hold fast to truth. Which one gets you pumped to think critically and stand for what’s right? Drop it in the comments and keep Lincoln’s legacy of wisdom 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!
Email – business@mylittledesire.com
