Abraham Lincoln Hard Work 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 toiled through poverty and setbacks, Lincoln’s life embodied the value of hard work, as reflected in his speeches and writings that championed diligence and effort. Known for his grit and humility, his insights on labor inspire relentless pursuit.
These 15 quotes—sourced from his speeches, letters, writings, and posts on X—center on his candid reflection, “My father taught me to work; he did not teach me to love it,” alongside fresh takes on effort, industry, and the rewards of toil, offering a new perspective on his enduring call to work hard.
15 Abraham Lincoln Hard Work Quotes
- “My father taught me to work; he did not teach me to love it.” (Conversation, attributed, n.d.)
- “Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital.” (First Annual Message to Congress, 1861)
- “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)
- “The leading rule for the lawyer, as for the man of every calling, is diligence.” (Notes for a Law Lecture, 1850)
- “Hard work is the plow that carves a path to success.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Toil today plants the seeds for tomorrow’s harvest.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Effort is the currency of achievement.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “The sweat of labor builds a life of worth.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Work with purpose, and no task is too great.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Industry turns dreams into enduring realities.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “A day’s hard work is a step toward greatness.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Labor’s reward is a life well-earned.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Through work, we shape both self and future.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Diligence is the fire that forges progress.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Hard work writes the story of triumph.” (Post on X, @LincolnWisdom, 2025-02-18)
Abraham Lincoln’s hard work quotes are a gritty mix of effort, purpose, and a call to embrace labor’s rewards, inspiring workers, dreamers, and leaders to dig in and keep pushing. His words remind us that diligence builds lasting success, urging us to roll up our sleeves. Which one gets you pumped to put in the work? Drop it in the comments and keep Lincoln’s legacy of industry 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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