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Spartan Surfers

1809–1865

Abraham Lincoln

Sixteenth president of the United States, who led the Union through the Civil War. His lines come from the Gettysburg Address, his inaugural addresses and his notes for young lawyers.

7 sourced lines

Every line we carry

Each one links to its source, what it means, and the shirt in any of our looks.

  1. Right makes might. Dare to do your duty.

    Lincoln turned the old saying around: being right is a source of strength, not the other way round. With that faith, do your duty to the end. Do not be frightened off by threats or slander.

    Cooper Union Address, New York, 27 February 1860, Original English (Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1907)

  2. With malice toward none, with charity for all.

    Lincoln spoke these words as a brutal war was ending. He asked for firmness without hatred and generosity toward former enemies. Finish hard work without carrying bitterness into it.

    Second Inaugural Address, 4 March 1865, Original English (Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1907)

  3. Leave nothing for tomorrow that can be done today.

    Lincoln calls diligence the leading rule for every calling. Unfinished work piles up and drags on you. Finish what you can now.

    Notes for a Law Lecture, c. 1 July 1850, Original English (Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1907)

  4. We cannot escape history.

    Lincoln told Congress that their choices would be judged by every future generation. Everyone's actions leave a record. Act as if you will be remembered, because you will be.

    Annual Message to Congress, 1 December 1862, Original English (Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1907)

  5. The world forgets what we say. It never forgets what they did.

    Lincoln knew speeches fade and deeds remain. (History proved him half wrong about his own words.) What you do outlasts what you say.

    Gettysburg Address, 19 November 1863, Original English (Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1907)

  6. The nominal winner is often a real loser.

    Lincoln advised young lawyers to talk neighbors out of lawsuits. Winning a fight can cost more than it gains. Look for the deal that leaves everyone ahead.

    Notes for a Law Lecture, c. 1 July 1850, Original English (Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1907)

  7. The better angels of our nature.

    On the edge of civil war, Lincoln appealed to the best in his opponents. Everyone has better instincts that can be reached. Speak to them.

    First Inaugural Address, 4 March 1861, Original English (Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1907)