Quotes By Abraham Lincoln

The ballot is stronger than the bullet.

Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in.

In times like the present, men should utter nothing for which they would not willingly be responsible through time and in eternity.

If there is a worse place than hell, I am in it.

A measure made expedient by a war is no precedent for times of peace.

In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free.

General McClellan and myself are to be photographed ... if we can be still long enough. I feel General McClellan should have no problem.

The North responds to the proclamation sufficiently in breath; but breath alone kills no rebels.

In great contests, each party claims to act in accordance with the will of God. Both may be, and one must be, wrong.

I shall try to correct errors when shown to be errors; and I shall adopt new views so fast as they shall appear to be true views.

It is difficult to make a man miserable while he feels worthy of himself, and claims kindred to the great God who made him.

I shall do nothing in malice. What I deal with is too vast for malicious dealing.

I am a patient man - always willing to forgive on the Christian terms of repentance; and also to give ample time for repentance.

I distrust the wisdom if not the sincerity of friends, who would hold my hands while my enemies stab me.

It is gratifying to know that the patriotism of the people has proved equal to the occasion, and that the number of troops tendered greatly exceeds the force which Congress authorized me to call into the field.

I have been unwilling to go beyond the pressure of necessity in the unusual exercise of power.

So much of promised usefulness to one's country, and of bright hopes for one's self and friends, have rarely been so suddenly dashed, as in his fall.

It is a struggle for maintaining in the world, that form and substance of government whose leading object is to elevate the condition of men.

Wanting to work is so rare a merit, that it should be encouraged.

I have desired as sincerely as any man - I sometimes think more than any other man - that our present difficulties might be settled without the shedding of blood.