Category: Quote of the Day

I believe the declaration that ‘all men are created equal’ is the great fundamental principle upon which our free institutions rest….”– Letter to James N. Brown, October 18, 1858

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.”– Remarks at the Monogahela House, February 14, 1861

I am not ashamed to confess that twenty-five years ago I was a hired laborer, mauling rails, at work on a flatboat – just what might happen to any poor man’s son. I want every man to have a chance.”– Speech at New Haven, March 6, 1860

I am naturally anti-slavery. If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong. I can not remember when I did not so think, and feel. And yet I have never understood that the Presidency conferred upon me an unrestricted right to act officially upon this judgment and feeling.”– Letter to Albert Hodges, April 4, 1864

I am greatly obliged to you, and to all who have come forward at the call of their country.”– Speech to the One Hundred Sixty-fourth Ohio Regiment, August 22, 1864

How miserably things seem to be arranged in this world. 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.”– Letter to Joshua F. Speed, February 25, 1862

Holding it a sound maxim that it is better only sometimes to be right than at all times to be wrong, so son as I discover my opinions to be erroneous, I shall be ready to renounce them.”– Address to the People of Sangamon County, March 9, 1832

He who does something at the head of One Regiment, will eclipse him who does nothing at the head of a hundred.”– Letter to David Hunter, December 31, 1861

Happy day, when, all appetites controlled, all poisons subdued, all matter subjected, mind, all conquering mind, shall live and move the monarch of the world. Glorious consummation! Hail fall of Fury! Reign of Reason, all hail!”– Temperance Address, February 22, 1842

Go it while you’re young!”– Letter to William H. Herndon, July 11, 1848