Lincoln called laughter "the joyous, beautiful, universal evergreen of life."

We believe that the spreading out and perpetuity of the institution of slavery impairs the general welfare. We believe - nay, we know, that that is the only thing that has ever threatened the perpetuity of the Union itself.

The solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Any society that takes away from those most capable and gives to the least will perish.

No one has needed favours more than I, and generally, few have been less unwilling to accept them; but in this case, favour to me,would be injustice to the public, and therefore I must beg your pardon for declining it.

If you wish to win a man over to your ideas, first make him your friend.

When arguing with a fool, make sure the opponent isn't doing the exact same thing.