Authors
Abraham Lincoln
1809 – 1865
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States, leading the country through the Civil War. His 1863 Emancipation Proclamation freed enslaved people in Confederate-held territory, and he later pushed the 13th Amendment through Congress to abolish slavery nationwide. He rose from a humble log-cabin childhood to become one of America's most respected leaders. His speeches, like the Gettysburg Address, are still memorized by students today.
Quotes
“Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.”
“The better part of one's life consists of his friendships.”
“A capacity, and taste, for reading, gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others.”
“Leave nothing for to-morrow which can be done to-day.”
“The way for a young man to rise, is to improve himself every way he can.”
“As the patriots of seventy-six did to the support of the Declaration of Independence, so to the support of the Constitution and laws let every American pledge his life, his property, and his sacred honor.”
“We still shall have the proud consolation of saying to our consciences, and to the departed shade of our country's freedom, that the cause approved of our judgment, and adored of our hearts, in disaster, in chains, in torture, in death, we never faltered in defending.”
“If our sense of duty forbids this, then let us stand by our duty, fearlessly and effectively.”
“Let us at all times remember that all American citizens are brothers of a common country, and should dwell together in the bonds of fraternal feeling.”
“Inasmuch as our own country is extensive and new, and the countries of Europe are densely populated, if there are any abroad who desire to make this the land of their adoption, it is not in my heart to throw aught in their way to prevent them from coming to the United States.”
“In this country, and in any country where freedom of thought is tolerated, citizens attach themselves to political parties.”
“It is not my purpose to review our discussions with foreign states, because, whatever might be their wishes or dispositions, the integrity of our country and the stability of our government mainly depend not upon them, but on the loyalty, virtue, patriotism, and intelligence of the American people.”
“It is as much the duty of government to render prompt justice against itself in favor of citizens as it is to administer the same between private individuals.”
“In giving freedom to the slave we assure freedom to the free--honorable alike in what we give and what we preserve.”
“It is the duty of every government to give protection to its citizens, of whatever class, color, or condition, and especially to those who are duly organized as soldiers in the public service.”
“There is enough yet before us requiring all loyal men and patriots to perform their share of the labor and follow the example of the modest General at the head of our armies, and sink all personal consideration for the sake of the country.”
“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.”
“The memory of your dear Father, instead of an agony, will yet be a sad sweet feeling in your heart, of a purer and holier sort than you have known before.”
“Writing -- the art of communicating thoughts to the mind, through the eye -- is the great invention of the world.”
“In one word, by means of writing, the seeds of invention were more permanently preserved, and more widely sown.”
“The patent system changed this; secured to the inventor, for a limited time, the exclusive use of his invention; and thereby added the fuel of interest to the fire of genius, in the discovery and production of new and useful things.”