Any society that takes away from those most capable and gives to the least will perish.
Abraham LincolnIn any future great national trial, compared with the men of this, we shall have as weak, and as strong; as silly and as wise; asbad and good.
Abraham LincolnAt what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide.
Abraham LincolnTowering genius disdains a beaten path ... It scorns to tread in the footsteps of any predecessor, however illustrious. It thirsts for distinction.
Abraham LincolnIf I gave McClellan all the men he asked for, they could not find room to lie down; they'd have to sleep standing up.
Abraham LincolnWhen I so pressingly urge a strict observance of all the laws, let me not be understood as saying there are no bad laws, nor that grievances may not arise, for the redress of which, no legal provisions have been made. I mean to say no such thing. But I do mean to say, that, although bad laws, if they exist, should be repealed as soon as possible, still while they continue in force, for the sake of example, they should be religiously observed.
Abraham Lincoln