Abe Lincoln Quotes

Sorry, I have either been preparing for or in trial all week, and I have not posted as much as I normally do.  And then today I was mainly brain dead.

In the meantime, I do not know why, but I like to read quotes while preparing for trial.  They are quick respites that kind of break the monotony of it all, and they can be a little uplifting.

This time, I read a few from Abraham Lincoln:

"Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it."

"Common looking people are the best in the world: that is the reason the Lord makes so many of them."

"Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration."

"I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me."

"Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today."

"A woman is the only thing I am afraid of that I know will not hurt me."

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing."

"Every one desires to live long, but no one would be old."

"Everybody likes a compliment."

And ...

"I don't like that man. I must get to know him better."

Comments

[Grant D Griffiths]

"I don't like that man. I must get to know him better." Really one of the best in my opinion. Thanks!!!!

[Tomasz Stasiuk]

Two of my favorites from "Notes on the Practice of Law" are:

"Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbours to compromise when you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser – in fees, and expenses, and waste of time. As a peace maker, the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough. Never stir up litigation. A worse man can scarcely be found than one who does this. Who can be more nearly a fiend than he who habitually overhauls the Register of deeds, in search of defects in titles, whereupon to stir up strife, and put money in his pocket? A moral tone ought to be infused into the profession, which should drive such men out of it."

And

"There is a vague popular belief that lawyers are necessarily dishonest. I say vague, because when we consider to what extent confidence, and honors are reposed in, and conferred upon lawyers by the people, it appears improbable that the impression of dishonesty is very distinct and vivid. Yet the impression, is common – almost universal. Let no young man, choosing the law for a calling, for a moment yield to this popular belief. Resolve to be honest at all events; and if, in your own judgement, you cannot be an honest lawyer, resolve to be honest without being a lawyer. Choose some other occupation, rather than one in the choosing of which you do, in advance, consent to be a knave."

I used to have an essay by Lincoln bookmarked re lawyers, but the link has since expired.