1,780 Quotes by Abraham Lincoln

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.

Must I shoot a simple-minded soldier boy who deserts, while I must not touch a hair of the wily agitator who induces him to desert? I think that in such a cse to silence the agitator and save the boy is not only constitutional but withal a great mercy.

It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.

If ever this free people, if this Government itself is ever utterly demoralized, it will come from this incessant human wriggle and struggle for office, which is but a way to live without work.

In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free -- honorable alike in what we give and what we preserve.

I am struggling to maintain the government, not to overthrow it. I am struggling especially to prevent others from overthrowing it.

Our eldest boy, Bob, has been away from us nearly a year at school, and will enter Harvard University this month. He promises verywell, considering we never controlled him much.

It is not merely for to-day, but for all time to come that we should perpetuate for our children's children this great and free government, which we have enjoyed all our lives.

I know there is a God, and that He hates injustice and slavery. I see the storm coming, and I know that his hand is in it. If He has a place and work for me - and I think He has - I believe I am ready.