“Thanksgiving is recognition of a debt that cannot be paid. We express thanks, whether or not we are able otherwise to reimburse the giver.”

“A friend of mine defines prayer as “a declaration of dependence.”

“The absence of brutality and unregenerate evil is not the presence of justice. To stay murder is not the same thing as to ordain brotherhood.”

“If the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning is eat a live frog, then nothing worse can happen for the rest of the day!" Brian Tracy says that your "frog" should be the most difficult item on your things-to-do list, the one you're most likely to procrastinate on; because, if you eat that first, it'll give you energy and momentum for the rest of the day. But, if you don't...if you let him sit there on the plate and stare at you while you do a hundred unimportant things, it can drain your energy and you won't even know it.”

“I set out on this ground, which I suppose to be self-evident, that the earth belongs in usufruct to the living.”

“You become a master in what you repeatedly do in consistency. Mastery is not born; it is acquired. It is not blood-linked; it is skill-learnt!”

“The earth provides enough to satisfy every person's need, but not every person's greed.”

“When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.” 

“Always dare to be in the company of those stronger than you. Sooner or later, you will be stronger than those who were once stronger than you, but unfortunately, they joined the company of those who are weaker than them!”

“There are four simple steps which lead to the habit of persistence. They call for no great amount of intelligence, no particular amount of education, and but little time or effort. The necessary steps are:—       1.   A definite purpose backed by burning desire for its fulfillment.       2.   A definite plan, expressed in continuous action.       3.   A mind closed tightly against all negative and discouraging influences, including negative suggestions of relatives, friends and acquaintances.       4.   A friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage one to follow through with both plan and purpose.”

“It is not your business to succeed, but to do right. When you have done so the rest lies with god.”

“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.”

“Too often we judge people based on our own backgrounds and experiences, but when you understand people's stories, it's easier to understand their demeanor.”

“When you aspire to inspire before you expire, you conspire to inspire even after you pause to respire. Keep pushing it!”

“Fear teaches you to be cautious, careful, and conscientious. It also forces you to be creative, compassionate, and calculating.”