Abraham Lincoln A House Divided 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), revered for leading the nation through the Civil War and abolishing slavery via the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment. A self-taught lawyer, his June 16, 1858, “House Divided” speech in Springfield, Illinois, delivered upon accepting the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, warned of the nation’s division over slavery, with the iconic line “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Known for his eloquence and moral clarity, Lincoln’s words resonate today.
These 15 quotes—sourced from the “House Divided” speech, related writings, and posts on X—center on the famous quote and include complementary excerpts and sayings on unity, division, and justice, offering a fresh perspective on his timeless call for national cohesion.
15 Abraham Lincoln A House Divided Quote and More
- “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” (House Divided Speech, 1858)
- “I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free.” (House Divided Speech, 1858)
- “I do not expect the Union to be dissolved—I do not expect the house to fall.” (House Divided Speech, 1858)
- “It will become all one thing or all the other.” (House Divided Speech, 1858)
- “Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it… or its advocates will push it forward.” (House Divided Speech, 1858)
- “The agitation has not only not ceased, but has constantly augmented.” (House Divided Speech, 1858)
- “We shall not fail—if we stand firm, we shall not fail.” (House Divided Speech, 1858)
- “Wise counsels may accelerate or mistakes delay it, but, sooner or later, the victory is sure to come.” (House Divided Speech, 1858)
- “Our cause, then, must be intrusted to, and conducted by, its own undoubted friends.” (House Divided Speech, 1858)
- “Two years ago the Republicans of the nation mustered over thirteen hundred thousand strong.” (House Divided Speech, 1858)
- “We are now far into the fifth year since a policy was initiated with the avowed object… of putting an end to slavery agitation.” (House Divided Speech, 1858)
- “Under the operation of that policy, that agitation has not only not ceased, but has constantly augmented.” (House Divided Speech, 1858)
- “We must not disturb slavery in the states where it exists, because the Constitution, and the peace of the country, both forbid us.” (Speech in Springfield, 1857)
- “We must think anew, and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country.” (Annual Message to Congress, 1862)
- “We must not be enemies.” (First Inaugural Address, 1861)
Abraham Lincoln’s “House Divided” quote and related sayings are a powerful call to confront division and uphold unity and justice, inspiring leaders, citizens, and dreamers to stand firm for a cohesive nation. His words, rooted in moral clarity, urge us to heal fractures and pursue a shared future. Which one gets you pumped to bridge divides and fight for what’s right? Drop it in the comments and keep Lincoln’s legacy of unity 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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