Abraham Lincoln Famous 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-educated lawyer and Illinois legislator, his iconic speeches, like the Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address, embody American ideals of freedom, equality, and democracy. Known for his wit, humility, and moral clarity, Lincoln’s words resonate across generations.
These 15 famous quotes—sourced from his speeches, letters, and posts on X—highlight his most celebrated sayings on liberty, justice, leadership, and unity, offering a fresh selection of his timeless wisdom and enduring legacy.
15 Abraham Lincoln Famous Quotes
- “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” (House Divided Speech, 1858)
- “Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” (Gettysburg Address, 1863)
- “With malice toward none, with charity for all.” (Second Inaugural Address, 1865)
- “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.” (Letter to Henry L. Pierce, 1859)
- “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)
- “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)
- “Whatever you are, be a good one.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I am a slow walker, but I never walk back.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” (Speech in Bloomington, 1856)
- “Let us have faith that right makes might.” (Cooper Union Address, 1860)
- “I leave you, hoping that the lamp of liberty will burn in your bosoms until there shall no longer be a doubt that all men are created free and equal.” (Speech in Chicago, 1858)
- “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
Abraham Lincoln’s famous quotes are a rousing mix of wisdom, wit, and a powerful call to uphold freedom and justice, inspiring leaders, dreamers, and citizens to act with integrity and unity. His iconic words continue to shine as a beacon for democracy and equality, urging us to build a better world. Which one gets you pumped to carry the torch of liberty? 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!
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