“How weak and fruitless must be any word of mine.”

“I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.”

“That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well.”

“I'm a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn't have the heart to let him down.”

“Lets have faith that right makes might; and in that faith let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.”

“It's not me who can't keep a secret. It's the people I tell that can't.”

“The worst thing you can do for those you love is the things they could and should do themselves.”

“What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself.”

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”

“RESPONSE TO POLITICAL SMEAR TO ROBERT ALLEN New Salem, June 21, 1836 DEAR COLONEL:—I am told that during my absence last week you passed through this place, and stated publicly that you were in possession of a fact or facts which, if known to the public, would entirely destroy the prospects of N. W. Edwards and myself at the ensuing election; but that, through favor to us, you should forbear to divulge them. No one has needed favors more than I, and, generally, few have been less unwilling to accept them; but in this case favor to me would be injustice to the public, and therefore I must beg your pardon for declining it. That I once had the confidence of the people of Sangamon, is sufficiently evident; and if I have since done anything, either by design or misadventure, which if known would subject me to a forfeiture of that confidence, he that knows of that thing, and conceals it, is a traitor to his country’s interest. I find myself wholly unable to form any conjecture of what fact or facts, real or supposed, you spoke; but my opinion of your veracity will not permit me for a moment to doubt that you at least believed what you said. I am flattered with the personal regard you manifested for me; but I do hope that, on more mature reflection, you will view the public interest as a paramount consideration, and therefore determine to let the worst come. I here assure you that the candid statement of facts on your part, however low it may sink me, shall never break the tie of personal friendship between us. I wish an answer to this, and you are at liberty to publish both, if you choose. Very respectfully, A. LINCOLN.”

“We should be too big to take offense and too noble to give it.”

“If my father's son can become President of these United States, then your father's son can become anything he wishes.”

“You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was.”

“I will not say that we may not sooner or later be compelled to meet force by force; but the time has not yet come, and if we are true to ourselves, may never come. Do not mistake that the ballot is stronger than the bullet. Therefore let the legions of slavery use bullets; but let us wait patiently till November, and fire ballots at them in return; and by that peaceful policy, I believe we shall ultimately win.”

“I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer.”