Portrait of Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln

Preserved the Union, ended slavery

Modern influential 107 sayings

Sayings by Abraham Lincoln

The people of these United States are the rightful masters of both Congresses and courts, not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.

1861 — First Inaugural Address
Political Unverifiable

Don't interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.

1859 — Speech at Kansas
General Unverifiable

I walk slowly, but I never walk backward.

1860s (approximate) — Attributed, often quoted but specific source is elusive. Reflects his perseverance.
General Unverifiable

The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend.

1860s (approximate) — Attributed, often cited as a response to a critic during the war.
War & Violence Unverifiable

As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy. Whatever differs from this, to the extent of the difference, is no democracy.

1858 (approximate) — Fragment on Slavery
Social & Racial Unverifiable

To sell or enslave any colored person is a crime.

1863 — Emancipation Proclamation
Social & Racial Unverifiable

I care not for a man's religion, or his lack of it, so long as his life is right.

1850s-1860s (approximate) — Attributed, but specific source is elusive. Reflects his pragmatic nature.
Religious Unverifiable

Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.

1859 — Letter to H. L. Pierce and others
General Unverifiable

Gold is good in its place; but living, breathing men and women are better than gold.

1856 — Speech at Kalamazoo, Michigan
General Unverifiable

I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races.

1858 — Fourth debate with Stephen Douglas
Political Unverifiable

If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it.

1862 — Letter to Horace Greeley
Social & Racial Unverifiable

The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're authentic.

2010s (modern fabrication) — A known misattribution, included for its ironic humor as a 'fake' quote.
General Unverifiable

A man who is good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterward.

1863 — Speaking about the rights of soldiers.
General Unverifiable

It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues.

1850s-1860s (approx) — General observation, widely attributed.
General Unverifiable

Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.

1850s-1860s (approx) — Widely attributed, emphasizing preparation.
General Unverifiable

He has a right to criticize, who has a heart to help.

1850s-1860s (approx) — General observation.
General Unverifiable

I drink to the man who can make a better whiskey than I can.

1850s-1860s (approx) — Said humorously, often in response to being offered a drink.
Food & Drink Unverifiable

Upon the subject of education, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people may be engaged in.

1832 — From an address in 1832.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

The strength of a nation lies in the homes of its people.

1860s (approx) — General observation.
General Unverifiable

With Malice toward none, with Charity for all, with Firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in...

1865 — Second Inaugural Address.
Work & Money Unverifiable
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