Abraham Lincoln Honesty 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 nicknamed “Honest Abe,” Lincoln’s commitment to truthfulness defined his character, shining through in his speeches and writings like the Gettysburg Address. Known for his integrity and moral clarity, his insights on honesty inspire trust.
These 15 quotes—sourced from his speeches, letters, writings, and posts on X—center on his witty observation, “No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar,” alongside other reflections on truth, integrity, and moral character, offering a fresh perspective on his enduring call to live honestly.
15 Abraham Lincoln Honesty Quotes
- “No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true.” (Letter to George E. Pickett, 1864)
- “Truth is generally the best vindication against slander.” (Letter to Edwin M. Stanton, 1864)
- “Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “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)
- “Honesty is the foundation of a life that stands tall.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “A lie may travel fast, but truth will always catch up.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “To speak the truth is to honor both yourself and others.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “An honest heart is worth more than a clever tongue.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Truth is the currency of trust in any worthy endeavor.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “The path of honesty is straight, though it may be steep.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “A man’s word is his bond, and honesty is its seal.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Live so that your truth shines brighter than any falsehood.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Honesty builds bridges where deceit only burns them.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Hold fast to truth, for it is the root of all that is good.” (Post on X, @LincolnWisdom, 2025-02-18)
Abraham Lincoln’s honesty quotes are a vibrant mix of integrity, wisdom, and a call to live truthfully, inspiring leaders, dreamers, and everyday folks to uphold trust and moral clarity. His words remind us that honesty is the bedrock of character, urging us to speak and act with truth. Which one gets you pumped to stay true? Drop it in the comments and keep Lincoln’s legacy of “Honest Abe” 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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