“Our popular Government has often been called an experiment.”

— Abraham Lincoln, Message to Congress in Special Session (4 July 1861)

About Abraham Lincoln

1809 – 1865

Sixteenth President of the United States, who led the nation through the Civil War and issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

“The better part of one's life consists of his friendships.”

“Let them adopt the maxim, "Better luck next time"; and then, by renewed exertion, make that better luck for themselves.”

“Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital.”

“The one duty we owe to history is to rewrite it.”

“Where there is great power there is great responsibility.”

“Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.”

“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.”

“The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest.”

“We cannot command nature except by obeying her.”