Abraham Lincoln Quotes and Sayings, 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 guiding 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 eloquent speeches, like the Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address, defined American ideals of freedom, equality, and democracy. Known for his wit, humility, and moral conviction, Lincoln’s words continue to inspire.
These 15 quotes and sayings—sourced from his speeches, letters, writings, and posts on X—offer a fresh collection of his timeless insights on liberty, justice, leadership, and resilience, capturing the essence of his enduring legacy.
15 Abraham Lincoln Quotes and Sayings
- “Let us have faith that right makes might.” (Cooper Union Address, 1860)
- “The best way to get a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly.” (Speech in Bloomington, 1856)
- “I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true.” (Letter to George E. Pickett, 1864)
- “The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion.” (Annual Message to Congress, 1862)
- “I walk slowly, but I never walk backward.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “If you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The shepherd drives the wolf from the sheep’s throat, for which the sheep thanks the shepherd as his liberator, while the wolf denounces him for the same act.” (Speech in Baltimore, 1864)
- “Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.” (Speech in Washington, D.C., 1865)
- “The legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done, but cannot do at all, or cannot so well do, for themselves.” (Fragment on Government, 1854)
- “When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That’s my religion.” (BrainyQuote, 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)
- “Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren’t very new after all.” (Goodreads, 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)
- “To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.” (Post on X, @HistWisdom, 2025-02-12)
Abraham Lincoln’s quotes and sayings are a lively mix of moral clarity, practical wisdom, and a call to uphold justice and compassion, inspiring leaders, dreamers, and citizens to act with integrity and courage. His timeless words continue to guide us toward a freer, fairer world, sparking reflection and action. Which one gets you pumped to live with purpose? Drop it in the comments and keep Lincoln’s legacy of truth and unity 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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