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Quote by Abraham Lincoln

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Abraham Lincoln: Speeches & Writings Part 1: 1832-1858: Library of America #45

Comprising a comprehensive selection of Abraham Lincoln's speeches and writings, this volume offers a detailed look into the formative years of one of America's most influential presidents. It includes his early political speeches, legal arguments, and personal correspondence, providing insight into his evolving views on slavery, states' rights, and the nature of democracy. more

Author

Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from 1861 to 1865. He was a pivotal leader during the American Civil War, dedicated to preserving the unity of the nation and the abolition of slavery. Lincoln is renowned for his noble character and exceptional leadership. more

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“No client ever had money enough to bribe my conscience or to stop its utterance against wrong, and oppression. My conscience is my own - my creators - not man's. I shall never sink the rights of mankind to the malice, wrong, or avarice of another's wishes, though those wishes come to me in the relation of client and attorney.”

“When I so pressingly urge a strict observance of all the laws, let me not be understood as saying there are no bad laws, nor that grievances may not arise, for the redress of which, no legal provisions have been made. I mean to say no such thing. But I do mean to say, that, although bad laws, if they exist, should be repealed as soon as possible, still while they continue in force, for the sake of example, they should be religiously observed.”

“Dear Sir: Yours of the 24th. asking 'the best mode of obtaining a thorough knowledge of the law' is received. The mode is very simple, though laborious, and tedious. It is only to get the books, and read, and study them carefully. Begin with Blackstone's Commentaries, and after reading it carefully through, say twice, take up Chitty's Pleading, Greenleaf's Evidence, & Story's Equity &c. in succession. Work, work, work, is the main thing.”

“Extemporaneous speaking should be practised [sic] and cultivated. It is the lawyer's avenue to the public. However able and faithful he may be in other respects, people are slow to bring him business if he cannot make a speech. And yet there is not a more fatal error to young lawyers than relying too much on speech-making. If any one, upon his rare powers of speaking, shall claim an exemption from the drudgery of the law, his case is a failure in advance.”