The better angels of our nature.

What it means

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.

The source

"The better angels of our nature." Abraham Lincoln said it in First Inaugural Address, 4 March 1861. Written in English: Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1907.

"will yet swell the chorus of the Union when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."

Original English (Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1907), First Inaugural Address, 4 March 1861. Text read at gutenberg.org.

Who said it

Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865). 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.

Questions

What does "The better angels of our nature." mean?

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.

Who said "The better angels of our nature."?

Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865). Source: First Inaugural Address, 4 March 1861.

What is the original wording?

will yet swell the chorus of the Union when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature (Original English (Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1907)). Written in English: Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1907.

Is "The better angels of our nature." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"The better angels of our nature." (Abraham Lincoln, First Inaugural Address, 4 March 1861, trans. Original English (Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1907)). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/the-better-angels-of-our-nature