I dared not trust the case on the presumption that the court knows everything. In fact, I argued it on the presumption that the court didn't know anything.

The leading rule for a man of every calling is diligence; never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

The Union, and the Constitution, are the picture of silver, subsequently framed around it. The picture was not made to conceal or destroy the apple, but to adorn and preserve it. The picture was made for the apple-not the apple for the picture.

I told myself, "Lincoln, you can never make a lawyer if you do not understand what demonstrate means." So I left my situation in Springfield, went home to my father's house, and stayed there till I could give any proposition in the six books of Euclid at sight. I then found out what "demonstrate" means, and went back to my law studies.

I believe the declaration that ‘all men are created equal’ is the great fundamental principle upon which our free institutions rest.

To lead, you must touch men's hearts.

I can make more generals, but horses cost money.