Abraham Lincoln Quotes About Fools, 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, Lincoln’s sharp wit and keen understanding of human nature, evident in his speeches and writings, often cut through folly with clarity and humor. Known for his wisdom and discernment, his reflections on fools inspire savvy thinking.
These 15 quotes—sourced from his speeches, letters, writings, and posts on X—center on his witty caution, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt,” alongside fresh takes on foolishness, deception, and the pursuit of wisdom, offering a new perspective on his timeless insights.
15 Abraham Lincoln Quotes About Fools
- “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.]
- “Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it, nothing can succeed.” (Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Ottawa, August 21, 1858) [Note: Relates to the folly of ignoring public wisdom.]
- “The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present.” (Annual Message to Congress, December 1, 1862) [Note: Suggests the folly of clinging to outdated ideas.]
- “Folly is a trap set by ignorance, sprung by haste.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “A fool’s words betray him before his actions do.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Wisdom guards the wise; fools rush to ruin.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “The fool chases shadows, ignoring the light of truth.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Ignorance is the fool’s cloak, worn proudly but poorly.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “A mind clouded by folly stumbles in the dark.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Fools speak loudly, but wisdom whispers true.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “The folly of haste outruns the patience of reason.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “A fool’s pride is his own undoing.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Deception is a fool’s game, easily lost.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Folly builds castles that wisdom must dismantle.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
- “Shun the fool’s path, and walk with truth.” (Post on X, @LincolnWisdom, 2025-02-18)
Abraham Lincoln’s quotes about fools are a sharp mix of wit, wisdom, and a call to seek clarity, inspiring thinkers, leaders, and everyday folks to avoid the snares of foolishness and embrace discernment. His words remind us to choose truth over folly, urging us to stay wise. Which one gets you pumped to outwit the foolish? Drop it in the comments and keep Lincoln’s legacy of sharp insight 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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