Abraham Lincoln Best 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 through 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, equality, and democracy. Known for his wit, humility, and moral clarity, Lincoln’s words endure.
These 15 quotes—sourced from his speeches, letters, writings, and posts on X—center on his most celebrated saying, “Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth,” alongside other powerful insights on democracy, liberty, and unity, offering a fresh perspective on his timeless wisdom.
15 Abraham Lincoln Best Quote and More
- “Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” (Gettysburg Address, 1863)
- “The mystic chords of memory will swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.” (First Inaugural Address, 1861)
- “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 us at all times remember that all American citizens are brothers of a common country.” (Speech in Springfield, 1859)
- “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” (Speech in Bloomington, 1856)
- “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies.” (First Inaugural Address, 1861)
- “Public sentiment is everything. With it, nothing can fail; without it, nothing can succeed.” (Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Ottawa, 1858)
- “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)
- “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.” (Speech to the 166th Ohio Regiment, 1864)
- “The principles of Jefferson are the definitions and axioms of free society.” (Letter to Henry L. Pierce, 1859)
- “The fiery trial through which we pass, will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation.” (Annual Message to Congress, 1862)
- “Let every American swear by the blood of the Revolution, never to violate the laws of the country.” (Lyceum Address, 1838)
- “We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth.” (Annual Message to Congress, 1862)
Abraham Lincoln’s best quote and its companions are a rousing call to uphold democracy, embrace unity, and act with moral courage, inspiring leaders, citizens, and dreamers to preserve the ideals of a free nation. His words, rooted in hope and conviction, urge us to ensure the people’s voice endures. Which one gets you fired up to defend liberty? Drop it in the comments and keep Lincoln’s legacy of democratic 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!
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