We cannot escape history.

What it means

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.

The source

"We cannot escape history." Abraham Lincoln said it in Annual Message to Congress, 1 December 1862. Written in English: Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1907.

"we cannot escape history. We of this Congress and this Administration will be remembered in spite of ourselves."

Original English (Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1907), Annual Message to Congress, 1 December 1862. 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 "We cannot escape history." mean?

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.

Who said "We cannot escape history."?

Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865). Source: Annual Message to Congress, 1 December 1862.

What is the original wording?

we cannot escape history. We of this Congress and this Administration will be remembered in spite of ourselves (Original English (Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1907)). Written in English: Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1907.

Is "We cannot escape history." on a shirt?

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

"We cannot escape history." (Abraham Lincoln, Annual Message to Congress, 1 December 1862, trans. Original English (Speeches and Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1907)). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/we-cannot-escape-history