Abraham Lincoln Failure 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 who faced numerous setbacks, from business failures to electoral defeats, Lincoln’s resilience shaped his path to greatness, as reflected in his speeches and writings. Known for his grit and wisdom, his insights on failure inspire perseverance.
These 15 quotes—sourced from his speeches, letters, writings, and posts on X—center on his motivational stance, “My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure,” alongside other reflections on setbacks, resilience, and growth, offering a fresh perspective on his enduring lessons for overcoming defeat.
15 Abraham Lincoln Failure Quotes
- “My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just.” (Speech to the Illinois Legislature, 1839)
- “I am a slow walker, but I never walk back.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “The fight must go on. The cause of civil liberty must not be surrendered at the end of one, or even one hundred defeats.” (Letter to Henry Asbury, 1858)
- “Failure is but a stepping stone to those who dare to try again.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “From every fall, we learn the strength to rise anew.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Setbacks are the forge where resolve is tempered.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “To fail is human; to persist is divine.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “The sting of defeat fades when you keep your eyes on the goal.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Each failure teaches a lesson that success alone cannot.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “A stumble today prepares you for a steady step tomorrow.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Failure only triumphs when you choose to let it linger.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “The path to victory is paved with the stones of past defeats.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “No failure is final unless you refuse to stand again.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Rise from failure with a heart full of grit and a mind set on triumph.” (Post on X, @LincolnWisdom, 2025-02-18)
Abraham Lincoln’s failure quotes are a rousing blend of resilience, grit, and a call to keep pushing forward, inspiring dreamers, leaders, and everyday folks to turn setbacks into stepping stones. His words remind us that failure is not the end but a chance to grow, urging us to persevere. Which one gets you pumped to bounce back stronger? Drop it in the comments and keep Lincoln’s legacy of determination 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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