I am a slow walker

I am a slow walker, but I never walk back. Abraham Lincoln

Summary of Abraham Lincoln’s Life and Quotes

Early Life and Career

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in Kentucky. Raised in a poor family, he had limited formal education but was determined to educate himself through reading. He became a lawyer in Illinois and entered politics, serving in the state legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives. His debates with Stephen A. Douglas in 1858 over slavery gained him national attention.

Presidency and the Civil War

Elected the 16th President of the United States in 1860, Lincoln led the country through the Civil War. His main goal was to preserve the Union, but over time, he took a strong moral stance against slavery. In 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared freedom for slaves in Confederate states. He also promoted the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to abolish slavery nationwide.

Famous Quotes and Beliefs

Lincoln’s speeches remain iconic for their clarity and moral depth. In the Gettysburg Address, he proclaimed:

“Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

On justice, he said:

“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.”
He also spoke on persistence and humility:
“I am a slow walker, but I never walk back.”
On unity and forgiveness, he famously urged:
“With malice toward none, with charity for all…”
And on preparing for the future, he once said:
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.”

Legacy

Lincoln was assassinated in April 1865, just days after the Civil War ended. He is remembered as a symbol of integrity, equality, and national unity. His leadership preserved the Union, ended slavery, and redefined American democracy. Monuments, schools, and even a U.S. currency note bear his name, reflecting his lasting impact on American history and values.