Abraham Lincoln Said, 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 and Illinois legislator, his powerful oratory in speeches like the Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address defined American values of freedom, equality, and democracy. Known for his wit, humility, and moral conviction, Lincoln’s sayings continue to inspire.
These 15 sayings—sourced from his speeches, letters, writings, and posts on X—offer a fresh collection of his insights on leadership, justice, unity, and resilience, capturing the enduring wisdom of a transformative leader.
15 Abraham Lincoln Said
- “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” (Speech in Illinois, 1837)
- “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)
- “Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “Let every American swear by the blood of the Revolution, never to violate the laws of the country.” (Lyceum Address, 1838)
- “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)
- “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)
- “I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being.” (QuoteFancy, n.d.)
- “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)
- “I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.” (Speech in Washington, D.C., 1865)
- “Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren’t very new after all.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “It is better to be a little too free than to be not free enough.” (Speech in Edwardsville, 1858)
- “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)
- “We must think anew, and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country.” (Annual Message to Congress, 1862)
- “Kindness is the only service that will stand the storm of life and not wash out.” (Post on X, @LincolnWisdom, 2025-02-12)
Abraham Lincoln’s sayings are a rousing blend of moral clarity, practical wisdom, and a call to uphold freedom and justice, inspiring leaders, dreamers, and citizens to act with courage and kindness. His words remain a guiding light for building a stronger, fairer world. Which one gets you fired up to make a difference? 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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