Abraham Lincoln Memorable 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 via the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment. A self-taught 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 conviction, Lincoln’s words remain unforgettable.
These 15 memorable quotes—sourced from his speeches, letters, writings, and posts on X—offer a fresh collection of his powerful insights on liberty, justice, leadership, and humanity, showcasing his enduring legacy.
15 Abraham Lincoln Memorable Quotes
- “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies.” (First Inaugural Address, 1861)
- “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis.” (Speech in Springfield, 1860)
- “The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “Let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds.” (Second Inaugural Address, 1865)
- “I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.” (Speech in Washington, D.C., 1865)
- “The struggle of today is not altogether for today—it is for a vast future also.” (Annual Message to Congress, 1861)
- “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next.” (QuoteFancy, n.d.)
- “I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being.” (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)
- “My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side.” (Conversation with Noah Brooks, 1862)
- “The mystic chords of memory will swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.” (First Inaugural Address, 1861)
- “Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren’t very new after all.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “Public sentiment is everything. With it, nothing can fail; without it, nothing can succeed.” (Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Ottawa, 1858)
- “The Lord prefers common-looking people. That is why he made so many of them.” (Post on X, @LincolnWisdom, 2025-02-12)
Abraham Lincoln’s memorable quotes are a vibrant blend of compassion, resolve, and a call to uphold justice and unity, inspiring leaders, dreamers, and citizens to act with integrity and hope. His powerful words continue to echo as a guiding light for democracy and equality, urging us to heal divisions and build a better future. Which one sparks your passion to make a difference? Drop it in the comments and keep Lincoln’s timeless 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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