Abraham Lincoln was one of the most celebrated and respected presidents of the United States. Born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Kentucky, he rose to become the 16th president of the United States, leading the country through its greatest crisis, the Civil War. Lincoln was a gifted orator, and his speeches and writings are still studied and revered today. In this article, we’ve compiled 20 of his most famous quotes to inspire and encourage you.
Abraham Lincoln Quotes
- “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
- “I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have.”
- “I will prepare and some day my chance will come.”
- “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.”
- “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
- “My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”
- “I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.”
- “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
- “Whatever you are, be a good one.”
- “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.”
- “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
- “Those who look for the bad in people will surely find it.”
- “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”
- “You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”
- “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for the day.”
- “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.”
- “Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”
- “Whatever you are, be a good one.”
- “I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.”
- “The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.”
- “For people who like that kind of a book that is the kind of book they will like.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “I am rather inclined to silence, and whether that be wise or not, it is at least more unusual nowadays to find a man who can hold his tongue than to find one who cannot.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “I want it said of me by those who knew me best, that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “I would rather be a little nobody, then to be an evil somebody.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “I’m a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn’t have the heart to let him down.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “I have a congenital aversion to failure.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “I happen temporarily to occupy this big White House. I am living witness that any one of your children may look to come here as my father’s child has.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “I have stepped out upon this platform that I may see you and that you may see me, and in the arrangement I have the best of the bargain.”
- “The demon of intemperance ever seems to have delighted in sucking the blood of genius and of generosity.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “This is a world of compensations; and he who would be no slave, must consent to have no slave. Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, can not long retain it.” — 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 leave you, hoping that the lamp of liberty will burn in your bosoms until there shall no longer be a doubt that all men are created free and equal.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “If we have no friends, we have no pleasure; and if we have them, we are sure to lose them, and be doubly pained by the loss.”
- “I distrust the wisdom if not the sincerity of friends who would hold my hands while my enemies stab me.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “I never encourage deceit, and falsehood, especially if you have got a bad memory, is the worst enemy a fellow can have. The fact is truth is your truest friend, no matter what the circumstances are.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “I’m a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn’t have the heart to let him down.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “Whatever you are, be a good one.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “I am a slow walker, but I never walk back.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “Those who look for the bad in people will surely find it.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “I will prepare and someday my chance will come.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “I do the very best I know how–the very best I can; and I mean to keep on doing so until the end.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “Towering genius distains a beaten path. It seeks regions hitherto unexplored.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “There is no grievance that is a fit object of redress by mob law.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “If you are resolutely determined to make a lawyer of yourself, the thing is more than half done already.” — Abraham Lincoln
- “The greatest fine art of the future will be the making of a comfortable living from a small piece of land.” — Abraham Lincoln
How to Apply Abraham Lincoln Quotes in Your Life
Here are some practical ways you can apply these quotes in your daily life:
- Live a meaningful life: Lincoln believed that what mattered most in life was the quality of the life you live, not the number of years you live. So, focus on living a meaningful life that leaves a positive impact on the world.
- Be true to yourself: Don’t compromise your values or beliefs for the sake of success. Stay true to yourself and what you stand for, and success will follow.
- Prepare for success: Success comes to those who are prepared. So, work hard, learn new skills, and be ready for when your chance comes.
- Stand up for what’s right: Lincoln was a staunch defender of freedom and equality. Follow his example and stand up for what’s right, even if it means going against the crowd.
- Create your own future: Don’t wait for the future to happen to you. Instead, create your own future by setting goals, making plans, and taking action.
- Trust in God: Lincoln was a deeply religious man and believed in the power of God. Trust in a higher power and have faith that things will work out in the end.
- Keep learning: Lincoln believed that we should never stop learning. So, make a commitment to lifelong learning and continue to grow in knowledge and wisdom.
- Test your character: Adversity and power can reveal a person’s true character. So, use challenges and opportunities as a way to test and strengthen your character.
- Be a good person: Lincoln believed that being a good person was the most important thing we can do in life. So, focus on being kind, honest, and compassionate to others.
Conclusion
Abraham Lincoln’s words continue to inspire and motivate people all over the world. His quotes are a reminder of the importance of honesty, integrity, perseverance, and compassion. By applying his wisdom to our lives, we can become better people and make a positive impact on the world. So, take these quotes to heart, and let the words of one of America’s greatest leaders guide you in your journey towards personal and professional success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was Abraham Lincoln’s most famous quote?
Lincoln had many famous quotes, but perhaps the most well-known is “Four score and seven years ago” which begins the Gettysburg Address.
2. Did Abraham Lincoln say “I will prepare and some day my chance will come”?
Yes, this is a famous quote from Abraham Lincoln, often used to encourage perseverance and preparation.
3. What was Abraham Lincoln’s position on slavery?
Abraham Lincoln was opposed to slavery and made it a central issue of his presidency. He signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared that all slaves in Confederate states “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.”
4. What is the significance of the “house divided” quote?
In a speech given in 1858, Lincoln famously said “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” He was referring to the growing divide between North and South over the issue of slavery, and the danger it posed to the unity of the country.
