Abraham Lincoln Quotes About Life, 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 eloquence in speeches like the Gettysburg Address shone through, but his personal reflections on life reveal a man of deep resilience, humility, and wisdom. Known for overcoming hardship, Lincoln’s sayings about life offer timeless guidance.
These 15 quotes about life—sourced from his speeches, letters, writings, and posts on X—provide a fresh collection of his insights on purpose, perseverance, happiness, and character, capturing his enduring lessons for living meaningfully.
15 Abraham Lincoln Quotes About Life
- “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That’s my religion.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.” (Post on X, @HistWisdom, 2025-02-12)
- “The better part of one’s life consists of his friendships.” (Letter to Joseph Gillespie, 1849)
- “I am a slow walker, but I never walk back.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.” (Letter to Isham Reavis, 1855)
- “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” (Letter to a friend, 1856)
- “Every man’s happiness is his own responsibility.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The way for a young man to rise is to improve himself every way he can, never suspecting that anybody wishes to hinder him.” (Letter to William Herndon, 1848)
- “I don’t know who my grandfather was; I am much more concerned to know what his grandson will be.” (QuoteFancy, n.d.)
- “You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “Life is hard, but so very beautiful.” (Attributed saying, n.d.)
Abraham Lincoln’s quotes about life are a heartfelt blend of resilience, wisdom, and a call to live with purpose, inspiring dreamers, leaders, and everyday folks to find joy in the journey and grow through challenges. His sayings remind us to shape our own happiness and leave a meaningful mark. Which one gets you pumped to live life more fully? Drop it in the comments and keep Lincoln’s legacy of hope and grit 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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