Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.

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.

The loss of enemies does not compensate for the loss of friends.

If they do kill me, I shall never die another death.

I do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens . . . to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.

The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next.

You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.