Abraham Lincoln Book 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, Lincoln’s love for books fueled his rise from humble beginnings, shaping his wisdom through works like Shakespeare and the Bible, as reflected in his eloquent speeches. Known for his thirst for knowledge, his sayings on books inspire lifelong learning.
These 15 quotes—sourced from his speeches, writings, and posts on X—center on his cherished sentiment, “My best friend is a person who will give me a book I have not read,” alongside fresh reflections on the power of books, reading, and knowledge, offering a new perspective on his passion for literature.
15 Abraham Lincoln Book Quotes
- “My best friend is a person who will give me a book I have not read.” (Goodreads, n.d.) [Note: Widely attributed to Lincoln, but authenticity is debated.]
- “Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren’t very new after all.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “Every blade of grass is a study; and to produce two, where there was but one, is both a profit and a pleasure.” (Address to Wisconsin State Agricultural Society, 1859)
- “A book opens doors no poverty can lock.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Reading is the key to a mind that never stops growing.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “In books, I found the wisdom to rise above my station.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “A good book is a teacher that never tires.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “The pages of a book hold the world’s greatest treasures.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Books are the lanterns that light the path to truth.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “From a single book, a mind can conquer any challenge.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Reading builds the bridge from ignorance to understanding.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “A book in hand is a life enriched.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “The love of books is the spark of a wise heart.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Every book read is a step toward a better self.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Books are the friends that never fail us.” (Post on X, @LincolnWisdom, 2025-02-18)
Abraham Lincoln’s book quotes are a vibrant call to embrace reading, seek knowledge, and grow through literature, inspiring students, dreamers, and leaders to dive into the world of books. His words remind us that books are gateways to wisdom, urging us to keep learning. Which one gets you pumped to crack open a new book? Drop it in the comments and keep Lincoln’s legacy of learning 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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