“Tis better people think you a fool, then open your mouth and erase all doubt.”

“Stand with anyone that is right; stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong.”

“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves, and, under a just God cannot retain it.”

“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”

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

“If my father's son can become President of these United States, then your father's son can become anything he wishes.”

“Get books, sit yourself down anywhere, and go to reading them yourself.”

“I am growing old enough not to care much for the MANNER of doing things.”

“The worst thing you can do for those you love is the things they could and should do themselves.”

“You cannot have the right to do what is wrong!”

“Towering genius distains a beaten path. It seeks regions hitherto unexplored.”

“It is not in our forming battlements or bristling seacoasts, or our Army and Navy that makes America great - but rather our reliance in the law of liberty and the religious law God has planted in us.”

“RESPONSE TO POLITICAL SMEAR TO ROBERT ALLEN New Salem, June 21, 1836 DEAR COLONEL:—I am told that during my absence last week you passed through this place, and stated publicly that you were in possession of a fact or facts which, if known to the public, would entirely destroy the prospects of N. W. Edwards and myself at the ensuing election; but that, through favor to us, you should forbear to divulge them. No one has needed favors more than I, and, generally, few have been less unwilling to accept them; but in this case favor to me would be injustice to the public, and therefore I must beg your pardon for declining it. That I once had the confidence of the people of Sangamon, is sufficiently evident; and if I have since done anything, either by design or misadventure, which if known would subject me to a forfeiture of that confidence, he that knows of that thing, and conceals it, is a traitor to his country’s interest. I find myself wholly unable to form any conjecture of what fact or facts, real or supposed, you spoke; but my opinion of your veracity will not permit me for a moment to doubt that you at least believed what you said. I am flattered with the personal regard you manifested for me; but I do hope that, on more mature reflection, you will view the public interest as a paramount consideration, and therefore determine to let the worst come. I here assure you that the candid statement of facts on your part, however low it may sink me, shall never break the tie of personal friendship between us. I wish an answer to this, and you are at liberty to publish both, if you choose. Very respectfully, A. LINCOLN.”

“If friendship is your weakest point, then you are the strongest person in the world.”

“My father taught me to work, but not to love it. I never did like to work, and I don't deny it. I'd rather read, tell stories, crack jokes, talk, laugh -- anything but work.”