I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel were felt by the whole human race, there would not be one cheerful face left on earth.

Young man, if God gives me four years more to rule this country, I believe it will become what it ought to be-what its Divine Author intended it to be-no longer one vast plantation for breeding human beings for the purpose of lust and bondage. But it will become a new Valley of Jehoshaphat, where all the nations of the earth will assemble together under one flag, worshipping a common God, and they will celebrate the resurrection of human freedom.

I was losing interest in politics, when the repeal of the Missouri Compromise aroused me again. What I have done since then is pretty well known.

Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.

Towering genius disdains a beaten path. It seeks regions hitherto unexplored.

Discipline is choosing between what you want now, and what you want most.

Democracy is "government of, by and for the people".