“With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it nothing can succeed.”

— Abraham Lincoln, First debate with Stephen Douglas, Ottawa, Illinois (21 August 1858)

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.”

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em.”

“Prosperity is the best protector of principle.”

“Ambition has its disappointments to sour us, but never the good fortune to satisfy us.”

“The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed.”

“The long, dull monotonous years of middle-aged prosperity or middle-aged adversity are excellent campaigning weather.”

“In all things success depends on previous preparation, and without such previous preparation there is sure to be failure.”