Of our political revolution of '76, we all are justly proud. It has given us a degree of political freedom, far exceeding that of any other nation of the earth. In it the world has found a solution of the long mooted problem, as to the capability of man to govern himself. In it was the germ which has vegetated, and still is to grow and expand into the universal liberty of mankind.
Abraham LincolnOur government rests in public opinion. Whoever can change public opinion, can change the government, practically just so much.
Abraham LincolnIn order to win a man to your cause, you must first reach his heart, the great high road to his reason.
Abraham LincolnExtemporaneous speaking should be practised and cultivated. It is the lawyer's avenue to the public.
Abraham LincolnI believe each individual is naturally entitled to do as he pleases with himself and the fruit of his labor, so far as it in no wise interferes with any other mans rightsthat each community, as a State, has a right to do exactly as it pleases with all the concerns within that State that interfere with the right of no other State, and that the general government, upon principle, has no right to interfere with anything other than that general class of things that does concern the whole.
Abraham Lincoln