Abraham Lincoln Quotes on Leadership, 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), celebrated 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 leadership during one of America’s darkest periods, marked by eloquence in speeches like the Gettysburg Address, showcased his integrity, empathy, and resolve. Known for uniting a divided nation, Lincoln’s insights on leadership remain timeless.
These 15 quotes on leadership—sourced from his speeches, letters, writings, and posts on X—offer a fresh collection of his wisdom on guiding others, making tough decisions, and inspiring progress, capturing his enduring lessons for leaders today.
15 Abraham Lincoln Quotes on Leadership
- “Public sentiment is everything. With it, nothing can fail; without it, nothing can succeed.” (Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Ottawa, 1858)
- “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 occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion.” (Annual Message to Congress, 1862)
- “I do the very best I know how—the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.” (Letter to Horace Greeley, 1862)
- “If you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Let us do nothing through passion and ill temper.” (Speech to Chicago Sanitary Fair, 1863)
- “Stand with anybody that stands right.” (Debate with Stephen Douglas, 1858)
- “I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “The best way to get a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly.” (Speech in Bloomington, 1856)
- “We can succeed only by concert. It is not ‘can any of us imagine better?’ but ‘can we all do better?’” (Annual Message to Congress, 1862)
- “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)
- “I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me.” (Letter to Albert G. Hodges, 1864)
- “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” (QuoteFancy, 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)
- “You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.” (Post on X, @LincolnWisdom, 2025-02-12)
Abraham Lincoln’s quotes on leadership are a dynamic blend of empathy, resolve, and practical wisdom, inspiring leaders, visionaries, and everyday folks to guide with integrity and unite for a common purpose. His sayings remind us to lead with truth, humility, and courage, even in the toughest times. Which one gets you fired up to lead with conviction? Drop it in the comments and keep Lincoln’s legacy of principled leadership 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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