Abraham Lincoln Quotes & Sayings

If I have one vice and I can call it nothing else it is not able to say 'no'. — Abraham Lincoln

I can only say that I have acted upon my best convictions, without selfishness or malice, and that by the help of God I shall continue to do so. — Abraham Lincoln

Towering genius disdains a beaten path ... It sees no distinction in adding story to story ... It scorns to tread in the footsteps of any predecessor, however illustrious. It thirsts and burns for distinction; and, if possible, it will have it ... — Abraham Lincoln

It will not do to investigate the subject of religion too closely, as it is apt to lead to infidelity. — Abraham Lincoln

When Judge Douglas says that whoever, or whatever community, wants slaves, they have a right to have them, he is perfectly logical if there is nothing wrong in the institution; but if you admit that it is wrong, he cannot logically say that anybody has a right to do wrong. — Abraham Lincoln

I think I stand where that man stands. — Abraham Lincoln

I am busily engaged in the study of the Bible. I believe it is God's word because it finds me where I am. — Abraham Lincoln

God bless the Methodist Church - bless all the churches - and blessed be God, Who, in this our great trial, giveth us the churches. — Abraham Lincoln

Teach hope to all, despair to none. — Abraham Lincoln

Government, possessing the power to create and issue currency and credit as money and enjoying the right to withdraw both currency and credit from circulation by taxation and otherwise, need not and should not borrow capital at interest as a means of financing government work and public enterprises. — Abraham Lincoln

All I ask for the negro is that if you do not like him, let him alone. If God gave him but little, that little let him enjoy. — Abraham Lincoln

I have always hated slavery, I think, as much as any abolitionist. I have been an Old Line Whig. I have always hated it, but I have always been quiet about it until this new era of the introduction of the Nebraska Bill began. — Abraham Lincoln

The Father of Waters again goes unvexed to the sea. — Abraham Lincoln

And this, too, shall pass away. — Abraham Lincoln

Don't kneel to me, that is not right. You must kneel to God only, and thank Him for the liberty you will hereafter enjoy. — Abraham Lincoln

Well, I wish some of you would tell me the brand of whiskey that Grant drinks. I would like to send a barrel of it to my other generals. — Abraham Lincoln

When I got him out he was near froze solid and shivering. He was shaking so hard that I wasted half a glass of whiskey trying to aim it for his mouth. Must have got enough of it into him, though, since it did seem to bring him back to life. — Abraham Lincoln

We were proclaiming ourselves political hypocrites before the world, by thus fostering Human Slavery and proclaiming ourselves, at the same time, the sole friends of Human Freedom. — Abraham Lincoln

I am for liberty of conscience in its noblest, broadest, and highest sense. But I cannot give liberty of conscience to the pope and his followers, the papists, so long as they tell me, through all their councils, theologians, and canon laws that their conscience orders them to burn my wife, strangle my children, and cut my throat when they find their opportunity. — Abraham Lincoln

I am very glad indeed to see you to-night, and yet I will not say I thank you for this call, but I do most sincerely thank Almighty God for the occasion on which you have called. — Abraham Lincoln

I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing, that no man desires for himself. — Abraham Lincoln

It is a good face. I am glad this war is over at last. — Abraham Lincoln

As President, I have no eyes but constitutional eyes; I cannot see you. — Abraham Lincoln

The people when rightly and fully trusted will return the trust. — Abraham Lincoln

Destroy your enemy by making him your friend. — Abraham Lincoln

In your temporary failure there is no evidence that you may not yet be a better scholar, and a more successful man in the great struggle of life, than many others, who have entered college more easily. — Abraham Lincoln

A man is about as happy as he makes up his mind to be. — Abraham Lincoln

It may be affirmed, without extravagance, that the free institutions we enjoy, have developed the powers, and improved the condition, of our whole people, beyond any example in the world. — Abraham Lincoln

Tangible language, which often tells more falsehoods than truths. — Abraham Lincoln

If you wish to be a lawyer, attach no consequence to the place you are in, or the person you are with; but get books, sit down anywhere, and go to reading for yourself. That will make a lawyer of you quicker than any other way. — Abraham Lincoln

In all that people can do for themselves, government ought not to interfere. — Abraham Lincoln

We must work earnestly in the best light He gives us. — Abraham Lincoln

What are you gonna do for a face when the baboon wants his ass back? — Abraham Lincoln

I am approached with the most opposite opinions and advice, and that by religious men, who are equally certain that they represent the Divine will. I am sure that either the one or the other is mistaken in that belief, and perhaps in some respects both. I hope it will not be irreverent for me to say that if it is probable that God would reveal his will to others, on a point so connected with my duty, it might be supposed he would reveal it directly to me; for, unless I am more deceived in myself than I often am, it is my earnest desire to know the will of Providence in this matter. And if I can learn what it is, I will do it! These are not, however, the days of miracles, and I suppose it will be granted that I am not to expect a direct revelation. I must study the plain, physical facts of the case, ascertain what is possible and learn what appears to be wise and right. — Abraham Lincoln

Let the people on both sides keep their self-possession, and just as other clouds have cleared away in due time, so will this, and this great nation shall continue to prosper as before. — Abraham Lincoln

Let us therefore study the incidents in this as philosophy to learn wisdom from and none of them as wrongs to be avenged.... — Abraham Lincoln

I know not how to aid you, save in the assurance of one of mature age, and much severe experience, that you can not fail, if you resolutely determine, that you will not. — Abraham Lincoln

Advancement - improvement in condition - is the order of things in a society of equals. — Abraham Lincoln

Tis better people think you a fool, then open your mouth and erase all doubt. — Abraham Lincoln

We all declare for liberty, but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing. — Abraham Lincoln

Stand with anyone that is right; stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong. — Abraham Lincoln

Discipline is choosing between what you want now, and what you want most. — Abraham Lincoln

In the world's history certain inventions and discoveries occurred of peculiar value, on account of their great efficiency in facilitating all other inventions and discoveris. Of these were the art of writing and of printing, the discovery of America, and the introduction of patent laws. The date of the first ... is unknown; but it certainly was as much as fifteen hundred years before the Christian era; the second-printing-came in 1436, or nearly three thousand years after the first. The others followed more rapidly-the discovery of America in 1492, and the first patent laws in 1624. — Abraham Lincoln

Friends, I agree with you in Providence; but I believe in the Providence of the most men, the largest purse, and the longest cannon. — Abraham Lincoln

Young man, if God gives me four years more to rule this country, I believe it will become what it ought to be-what its Divine Author intended it to be-no longer one vast plantation for breeding human beings for the purpose of lust and bondage. But it will become a new Valley of Jehoshaphat, where all the nations of the earth will assemble together under one flag, worshipping a common God, and they will celebrate the resurrection of human freedom. — Abraham Lincoln

Persuasion, kind, unassuming persuasion, should be adopted to influence the conduct of men. The opposite course would be a reversal of human nature, which is God's decree and can never be reversed. — Abraham Lincoln

Take all that you can of this book upon reason, and the balance on faith, and you will live and die a happier man. (When a skeptic expressed surprise to see him reading a Bible) — Abraham Lincoln

My experience has taught me that a man who has no vices has damned few virtues. — Abraham Lincoln

By what principle of original right is it that one-fiftieth or one-ninetieth of a great nation, by calling themselves a State, have the right to break up and ruin that nation as a matter of original principle? — Abraham Lincoln

Remembering that Peter denied his Lord with an oath, after most solemnly protesting that he never would, I will not swear I will make no committals; but I do think I will not. — Abraham Lincoln

I always remember the prayers of my mother as they always forever. — Abraham Lincoln

I would rather be assassinated than see a single star removed from the American flag. — Abraham Lincoln

One is a majority if he is right. — Abraham Lincoln

In my view of the present aspect of affairs, there is no need of bloodshed and war. There is no necessity for it. I am not in favor of such a course, and I may say in advance, there will be no blood shed unless it be forced upon the government. The government will not use force unless force is used against it. — Abraham Lincoln

I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so. — Abraham Lincoln

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm. — Abraham Lincoln

My dear Sir.
Yours of the 13th. is just received. My engagements are such that I can not, at any very early day, visit Rock-Island, to deliver a lecture, or for any other object.
As to the other matter you kindly mention, I must, in candor, say I do not think myself fit for the Presidency. I certainly am flattered, and gratified, that some partial friends think of me in that connection; but I really think it best for our cause that no concerted effort, such as you suggest, should be made.
Let this be considered confidential. Yours very truly,
{Abraham Lincoln} — Abraham Lincoln

I have really got it into my head to try to be United States Senator, and, if I could have your support, my chances would be reasonably good. But I know, and acknowledge, that you have as just claims to the place as I have; and therefore I cannot ask you to yield to me, if you are thinking of becoming a candidate, yourself. If, however, you are not, then I should like to be remembered affectionately by you; and also to have you make a mark for me with the Anti-Nebraska members down your way. — Abraham Lincoln

If the good people in their wisdom shall see fit to keep me in the background, I have been too familiar with disappointments to bevery much chagrined. — Abraham Lincoln

I am busily engaged in study of the Bible. — Abraham Lincoln

All my life I have tried to pluck a thistle and plant a flower wherever the flower would grow in thought and mind. — Abraham Lincoln

Bring me Longstreet's head on a platter and the war will be over — Abraham Lincoln

I have said a hundred times, and I have no inclination to take it back, that I believe there is no right, and ought to be no inclination in the people of the free States to enter into the slave States, and to interfere with the question of slavery at all. I have said that always. — Abraham Lincoln

I am slow to listen to criminations among friends, and never expose their quarrels on either side ... allow bygones to be bygones, and look to the present & future only. — Abraham Lincoln

The privilege of creating and issuing money is not only the supreme prerogative of Government, but it is the Government's greatest creative opportunity. By the adoption of these principles, the long-felt want for a uniform medium will be satisfied. The taxpayers will be saved immense sums of interest, discounts and exchanges. The financing of all public enterprises, the maintenance of stable government and ordered progress, and the conduct of the Treasury will become matters of practical administration. The people can and will be furnished with a currency as safe as their own government. Money will cease to be the master and become the servant of humanity. Democracy will rise superior to the money power. — Abraham Lincoln

The damnest scoundrel that ever lived, but in the infinite mercy of Providence ... also the damnest fool. — Abraham Lincoln

Our attitude is more honest and more consistent than our words. — Abraham Lincoln

Every man is proud of what he does well; and no man is proud of what he does not do well. With the former, his heart is in his work; and he will do twice as much of it with less fatigue. The latter performs a little imperfectly, looks at it in disgust, turns from it, and imagines himself exceedingly tired. The little he has done, comes to nothing, for want of finishing. — Abraham Lincoln

You already know I desire that neither Father or Mother shall be in want of any comfort either in health or sickness while they live. — Abraham Lincoln

I will study and prepare myself, and someday my chance will come. — Abraham Lincoln

Sending armies to McClellan is like shoveling fleas across a barnyard, not half of them get there. — Abraham Lincoln

The provision of the Constitution giving the war making power to Congress was dictated, as I understand it, by the following reasons: Kings had always been involving and impoverishing their people in wars, pretending generally, if not always, that the good of the people was the object. This our convention understood to be the most oppressive of all kingly oppressions, and they resolved to so frame the constitution that no man should hold the power of bringing this oppression upon us. — Abraham Lincoln

I belive that people should fight for what they believe and only what they believe. — Abraham Lincoln

Lamon, that speech won't scour. It is a flat failure and the people are disappointed. — Abraham Lincoln

I couldn't be two faced. If I had two faces, I wouldn't wear this one. — Abraham Lincoln

[Uniting workers should not] lead to a war upon property, or the owners of property. — Abraham Lincoln

It is better then, to save the work while it is begun. You have done the labor; maintain it - keep it. If men choose to serve you, go with them; but as you have made up your organization upon principle, stand by it; for as surely as God reigns over you, and has inspired your mind, and given you a sense of propriety, and continues to give you hope, so surely will you still cling to these ideas, and you will at last come back after your wanderings, merely to do your work over again. — Abraham Lincoln

Everybody likes compliment. — Abraham Lincoln

Now, at the end of three years struggle the nation's condition is not what either party, or any man devised, or expected. God alone can claim it. — Abraham Lincoln

I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate and aid this effort to maintain the honor, the integrity, and the existence of our National Union, and the perpetuity of popular
government; and to redress wrongs already long enough endured. — Abraham Lincoln

By adoption of these principles, the long-felt want for a uniform medium will be satisfied. The taxpayers will be saved immense sums of interest, discounts, and exchanges. The financing of all public enterprises, the maintenance of stable government and ordered progress, and the conduct of the Treasury will become matters of practical administration. The people can and will be furnished with a currency as safe as their own government. — Abraham Lincoln

The only person who is a worse liar than a faith healer is his patient. — Abraham Lincoln

We have all heard of Young America. He is the most current youth of the age. Some think him conceited, and arrogant; but has he not reason to entertain a rather extensive opinion of himself? Is he not the inventor and owner of the present, and sole hope of the future? — Abraham Lincoln

Some day I shall be President. — Abraham Lincoln

And you are entirely free from head-ache? That is good
good
considering it is the first spring you have been free from it since we were acquainted. I am afraid you will get so well, and fat, and young, as to be wanting to marry again. — Abraham Lincoln

That I am not a member of any Christian church is true; but I have never denied the truth of the Scriptures, and I have never spoken with intentional disrespect of religion in general, or of any denomination of Christians in particular. — Abraham Lincoln

Human-nature will not change. — Abraham Lincoln

But fight we must; and conquer we shall; in the end. — Abraham Lincoln

And then, there will be some black men who can remember that, with silent tongue, and clenched teeth, and steady eye, and well-poised bayonnet, they have helped mankind on to this great consummation ... — Abraham Lincoln

In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. The government will not assail you ... You have no oath registered in Heaven to destroy the government, while I shall have the most solemn one to preserve, protect and defend it. — Abraham Lincoln

Certainly there is no contending against the Will of God; but still there is some difficulty in ascertaining, and applying it, to particular cases. — Abraham Lincoln

The matter of fees is important, far beyond the mere question of bread and butter involved. Properly attended to, fuller justice is done to both lawyer and client. — Abraham Lincoln

I don't s'pose anybody on earth likes gingerbread better'n I do-and gets less'n I do. — Abraham Lincoln

Never do anything for anyone who can just as well do it themself — Abraham Lincoln

You can't help the poor by being one of them. — Abraham Lincoln

There is another old poet whose name I do not now remember who said, 'Truth is the daughter of Time.' — Abraham Lincoln

Will springs from the two elements of moral sense and self-interest. — Abraham Lincoln

In so far as the government lands can be disposed of, I am in favor of cutting up the wild lands into parcels so that every poor man may have a home. — Abraham Lincoln

If I were two-faced, would I be wearing this one? — Abraham Lincoln

They [the signers of the Declaration of Independence] did not mean to assert the obvious untruth that all were then actually enjoying that equality, nor yet that they were about to confer it immediately upon them. In fact, they had no power to confer such a boon. They meant simply to declare the right; so that the enforcement of it might follow as fast as circumstances should permit. — Abraham Lincoln