This is essentially a people's contest... whose leading object is to elevate the condition of men - to lift artificial weights from all shoulders - to clear the paths of laudable pursuit for all - to afford all, an unfettered start and a fair chance, in the race of life.

A new book is like a friend that I have yet to meet

God is the silent partner in ALL great enterprises.

I failed, I failed, and that is about all that can be said about it.

Those who are ready to sacrifice freedom for security ultimately will lose both.

Twenty-two years ago Judge [then-Senator Stephen] Douglas and I first became acquainted. We were both young then; he a trifle younger than I. Even then, we were both ambitious; I, perhaps, quite as much so as he. With me, the race of ambition has been a failure--a flat failure; with him it has been one of splendid success.

Some day I shall be President.