I have a congenital aversion to failure.

The one victory we can ever call complete will be that one which proclaims that there is not one slave or one drunkard on the face of God’s green earth.

You think slavery is right and should be extended; while we think slavery is wrong and ought to be restricted. That I suppose is the rub. It certainly is the only substantial difference between us.

As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy.

I have stepped out upon this platform that I may see you and that you may see me, and in the arrangement I have the best of the bargain.

The demon of intemperance ever seems to have delighted in sucking the blood of genius and of generosity.

I know not how to aid you, save in the assurance of one of mature age, and much severe experience, that you can not fail, if you resolutely determine, that you will not.

I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me.

What is to be, will be, and no prayers of ours can arrest the decree.

And having thus chosen our course, without guile, and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear, and with manly hearts.

If I am killed, I can die but once; but to live in constant dread of it, is to die over and over again.

Every man’s happiness is his own responsibility.

Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.

I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.

I am rather inclined to silence, and whether that be wise or not, it is at least more unusual nowadays to find a man who can hold his tongue than to find one who cannot.

You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.

A farce or comedy is best played; a tragedy is best read at home.

Passion has helped us; but can do so no more. It will in future be our enemy. Reason, cold, calculating, unimpassioned reason, must furnish all the materials for our future support and defense.

I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence.