If you are resolutely determined to make a lawyer of yourself, the thing is more than half done already. It is but a small matter whether you read with anyone or not. I did not read with anyone. Get the books, and read and study them till you understand them in their principal features; and that is the main thing. It is of no consequence to be in a large town while you are reading. I read at New Salem, which never had three hundred people living in it. The books, and your capacity for understanding them, are just the same in all places.

I have got you together to hear what I have written down. I do not wish your advice about the main matterfor that I have determined for myself.

Let every American, every lover of liberty, every well wisher to his posterity, swear by the blood of the Revolution, never to violate in the least particular, the laws of the country; and never to tolerate their violation by others.

I happen temporarily to occupy this big White House. I am living witness that any one of your children may look to come here as my father's child has.

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot establish sound security on borrowed money. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn.

If both factions, or neither, shall abuse you, you will probably be about right. Beware of being assailed by one and praised by the other.

When you make it to the top, turn and reach down for the person behind you.