Famous Quotes of Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln, born on February 12, 1809, was the 16th President of the United States. He served from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. Lincoln is best known for leading the nation through its Civil War, preserving the Union, and championing the end of slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation and the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. Before his presidency, Lincoln had a diverse career as a lawyer, serving in the Illinois State Legislature and the United States House of Representatives. His leadership during one of the nation’s most turbulent times and his enduring commitment to justice and equality have solidified his place as one of America’s greatest leaders.

In this article, we have provided some of the best and most famous quotes of Abraham Lincoln on leadership, freedom, equality, integrity, and hope.

Famous Quotes of Abraham Lincoln on Leadership and Governance

Here are the most famous quotes of Abraham Lincoln on Leadership and Governance:

1. “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
2. “The best way to predict your future is to create it.”
3. “Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.”
4. “No man is good enough to govern another man without the other’s consent.”
5. “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.”
6. “I walk slowly, but I never walk backward.”
7. “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.”
8. “Let not him who is houseless pull down the house of another, but let him work diligently and build one for himself.”
9. “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts.”
10. “Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves.”

Famous Quotes of Abraham Lincoln on Freedom and Equality

Here are the most famous quotes of Abraham Lincoln on Freedom and Equality:

1. “As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy.”
2. “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”
3. “Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him.”
4. “I have always hated slavery, I think as much as any Abolitionist.”
5. “The way for a young man to rise is to improve himself in every way he can, never suspecting that anybody wishes to hinder him.”
6. “All men are created equal.”
7. “Freedom is the last, best hope of earth.”
8. “I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.”
9. “My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of earth.”
10. “Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.”

Famous Quotes of Abraham Lincoln on Character and Integrity

Here are the most famous quotes of Abraham Lincoln on Character and Integrity:

1. “I do the very best I know how – the very best I can; and I mean to keep on doing so until the end.”
2. “Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”
3. “I care not for a man’s religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it.”
4. “When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That’s my religion.”
5. “Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves.”
6. “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.”
7. “It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues.”
8. “Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren’t very new after all.”
9. “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
10. “Whatever you are, be a good one.”

Famous Quotes of Abraham Lincoln on Perseverance and Hope

Here are the most famous quotes of Abraham Lincoln on Perseverance and Hope:

1. “The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.”
2. “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.”
3. “To conquer, we must endure.”
4. “Let us not be slandered from our duty by false accusations against us, nor frightened from it by menaces of destruction to the government nor of dungeons to ourselves.”
5. “Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can.”
6. “The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just.”
7. “It often requires more courage to dare to do right than to fear to do wrong.”
8. “Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.”
9. “I am not concerned that you have fallen; I am concerned that you arise.”
10. “Die when I may, 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.”

Read More:

• American Civil War
• List of Presidents of the United States of America
• Famous Quotes of Theodore Roosevelt

Summary – Famous Quotes of Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, left behind a legacy of leadership, freedom, equality, integrity, perseverance, and hope. His famous quotes continue to inspire people around the world. Lincoln emphasized the importance of character and integrity in governance, stressing the need for government by the people, for the people. He championed freedom and equality, declaring that all men are created equal and that freedom is the last, best hope of earth. Lincoln’s words also highlight the significance of perseverance and hope, encouraging individuals to keep moving forward despite challenges and to always strive for what is just and right. Through his timeless quotes, Lincoln’s wisdom and vision for a better future continue to resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds.

FAQs on Famous Quotes of Abraham Lincoln

What are some of Abraham Lincoln’s most famous quotes?

Abraham Lincoln is known for a multitude of profound and impactful quotes. Some of his most famous include expressions on freedom, democracy, and human nature, such as the belief in the power of perseverance, the importance of truth and integrity, and the ideals of liberty and equality.

Did Lincoln speak about the importance of character and truth?

Yes, Lincoln placed a high value on character and truth. He is quoted as saying things that reflect his belief in being true to oneself and the importance of living by the light one has, signifying the value he placed on personal integrity and the pursuit of truth.

How did Abraham Lincoln view democracy and freedom?

Lincoln’s views on democracy and freedom are well-documented through his speeches and letters. He famously advocated for the freedom of all individuals and believed in a democracy that serves and represents all its citizens. His quotes often express the idea that democracy and freedom are intertwined and essential for the nation’s prosperity.

What was Lincoln’s stance on slavery?

Abraham Lincoln’s stance on slavery is clearly reflected in his quotes and speeches. He believed slavery was morally wrong and worked towards its abolition. His quotes express the idea that denying freedom to others is unjust and that democracy should ensure freedom for all.

How did Lincoln inspire hope and resilience?

Through his words, Lincoln inspired hope and resilience by emphasizing the importance of perseverance, the belief in a better future, and the idea that one’s efforts can lead to meaningful change. His quotes often encourage taking action one day at a time and remaining true to one’s principles despite challenges.