Abraham Lincoln, known as one of the greatest leaders in American history, left behind a legacy of wisdom and leadership that resonates to this day. His words, drawn from speeches, writings, and private conversations, continue to inspire millions. From freedom and perseverance to leadership and compassion, Lincoln’s quotes touch upon universal truths that guide us through life’s challenges. Below is a comprehensive collection of Abraham Lincoln Quotes by topics ensuring you have an array of his best sayings to reflect upon and share.
Abraham Lincoln Quotes on Leadership and Responsibility
Leadership was at the heart of Lincoln’s presidency. Here are ten quotes that showcase his understanding of true leadership:
❝ The best way to predict your future is to create it. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ I am a slow walker, but I never walk back. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ Whatever you are, be a good one. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ A leader is not the one who does the greatest things, but the one who inspires others to do so. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it, nothing can succeed. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln Quotes on Freedom and Equality
As a champion of abolition and unity, Lincoln’s words on freedom are timeless:
❝ Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ A house divided against itself cannot stand. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ The ballot is stronger than the bullet. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ No man is good enough to govern another man without the other’s consent. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ 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. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of earth. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ Freedom is the last, best hope of Earth. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln Quotes on Perseverance and Hard Work
Lincoln’s life was a testament to perseverance, and his quotes reflect his unwavering determination:
❝ The better part of one’s life consists of his friendships. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ I do the very best I know how—the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ Every man’s happiness is his own responsibility. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ The struggle of today is not altogether for today—it is for a vast future also. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln Quotes on Compassion and Kindness
Lincoln believed deeply in the power of kindness and understanding:
❝ When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That’s my religion. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ The better angels of our nature. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ Kindness is the only service that will stand the storm of life and not wash out. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ I do not like that man. I must get to know him better. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ A friend is one who has the same enemies as you have. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ Whatever you are, be a kind one. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln Quotes on Wisdom and Life Lessons
Lincoln’s reflections on life are profound and universally applicable:
❝ 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. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ I laugh because I must not cry. That is all. That is all. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorns have roses. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ Let not him who is houseless pull down the house of another, but let him labor diligently and build one for himself. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
❝ You cannot help people permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves. ❞ – Abraham Lincoln
FAQs About Abraham Lincoln’s Quotes
Why are Abraham Lincoln’s quotes so impactful?
Lincoln’s quotes are rooted in real-life experiences, making them relatable and timeless.
Where can I find more quotes by Abraham Lincoln?
Lincoln’s speeches, letters, and debates are rich sources of his wisdom.
What makes Lincoln’s leadership quotes unique?
His leadership quotes emphasize humility, persistence, and moral clarity, showcasing his exceptional vision.
Which is Abraham Lincoln’s most famous quote?
“Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.”
How did Abraham Lincoln’s quotes influence history?
His words rallied a nation during its darkest times, inspiring hope and unity.
Timeless Wisdom from Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln’s quotes embody the spirit of perseverance, leadership, and compassion. They serve as guiding principles for personal and professional growth, reminding us to stay true to our values and strive for the greater good. Whether you seek inspiration, wisdom, or a deeper understanding of life, Lincoln’s words hold enduring relevance. Share these quotes and let Lincoln’s legacy inspire the world.