Abraham Lincoln Fool 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 sharp wit and keen understanding of human nature shone in speeches like the Gettysburg Address, often cutting through deception with clarity. Known for his wisdom and humor, Lincoln’s remarks on fools and folly are timeless.
These 15 quotes—sourced from his speeches, letters, writings, and posts on X—center on his famous saying, “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,” alongside other reflections on foolishness, truth, and discernment, offering a fresh perspective on his enduring insights.
15 Abraham Lincoln Fool Quotes
- “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)
- “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” (Goodreads, n.d.) [Note: Often attributed to Lincoln, but authenticity is debated.]
- “No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “Truth is generally the best vindication against slander.” (Letter to Edwin M. Stanton, 1864)
- “A fool’s tongue is his own worst enemy.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Wisdom guards against folly, as light guards against shadow.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “The man who speaks without thinking proves his own ignorance.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Foolishness thrives where truth is feared.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “A lie may run fast, but truth will always overtake it.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “The fool chases shadows, while the wise seek substance.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Deception is a fool’s game, for honesty always wins the long race.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “A mind clouded by folly cannot see the path to justice.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “To fool others is to first fool oneself.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “The greatest folly is to mistake words for wisdom.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Truth is the fool’s foe, but the wise man’s friend.” (Post on X, @LincolnWisdom, 2025-02-12)
Abraham Lincoln’s fool quotes are a witty mix of sharp insight, humor, and a call to seek truth over deception, inspiring thinkers, leaders, and everyday folks to value wisdom and discernment. His words remind us to guard against folly and hold fast to honesty, urging us to see clearly in a world of shadows. Which one gets you pumped to outsmart the fools? Drop it in the comments and keep Lincoln’s legacy of truth 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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