Famous Lincoln Quotes, 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-educated lawyer and Illinois legislator, his iconic speeches, like the Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address, embody American ideals of freedom, equality, and democracy. Known for his wit, humility, and moral clarity, Lincoln’s sayings resonate worldwide.
These 15 famous quotes—sourced from his speeches, letters, writings, and posts on X—offer a fresh selection of his most celebrated expressions on liberty, justice, leadership, and unity, capturing his timeless wisdom and enduring legacy.
15 Famous Lincoln Quotes
- “I am a slow walker, but I never walk back.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “Whatever you are, be a good one.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” (QuoteFancy, n.d.)
- “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of earth.” (Letter to John T. Stuart, 1860)
- “I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.” (Letter to Henry L. Pierce, 1859)
- “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true.” (Letter to George E. Pickett, 1864)
- “If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong.” (Letter to Albert G. Hodges, 1864)
- “As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master.” (Fragment on Democracy, 1858)
- “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)
- “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” (Goodreads, n.d.)
- “Let us have faith that right makes might.” (Cooper Union Address, 1860)
Abraham Lincoln’s famous quotes are a vibrant mix of wit, conviction, and a call to uphold justice and liberty, inspiring leaders, dreamers, and citizens to act with integrity and purpose. His timeless words continue to light the way for a freer, fairer world, urging us to rise above challenges. Which one gets you fired up to make a difference? Drop it in the comments and keep Lincoln’s legendary legacy 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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