Abraham Lincoln’s Best 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), 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 and Second Inaugural Address, defined American ideals of freedom, equality, and democracy. Known for his wit, humility, and moral clarity, Lincoln’s words continue to inspire.
These 15 quotes—sourced from his speeches, letters, writings, and posts on X—represent his most iconic and impactful sayings, starting with the timeless “Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth,” offering a fresh selection of his enduring wisdom across liberty, justice, and leadership.
15 Abraham Lincoln’s Best Quotes
- “Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” (Gettysburg Address, 1863)
- “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” (House Divided Speech, 1858)
- “With malice toward none, with charity for all.” (Second Inaugural Address, 1865)
- “If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong.” (Letter to Albert G. Hodges, 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)
- “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of earth.” (Letter to John T. Stuart, 1860)
- “I am a slow walker, but I never walk back.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.” (Letter to Isham Reavis, 1855)
- “My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side.” (Conversation with Noah Brooks, 1862)
- “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies.” (First Inaugural Address, 1861)
Abraham Lincoln’s best quotes are a powerful mix of vision, compassion, and a call to uphold justice and unity, inspiring leaders, dreamers, and citizens to act with integrity and courage. These iconic words shine as a beacon for democracy and equality, urging us to shape a better world. Which one gets you fired up to carry forward his ideals? 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!
Email – business@mylittledesire.com
