Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was not only a pivotal figure in American history but also possessed a remarkable sense of humor. His wit and wisdom often illuminated the heavy burdens he carried. Here are 10 funny quotes attributed to Lincoln that showcase his unique ability to blend humor with profound insight.
1. “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”
This quote artfully highlights the virtue of discretion. Lincoln suggests that sometimes, silence can be more golden than rashly blurting out ill-considered thoughts.
2. “I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have.”
While this quote resonates with seriousness, Lincoln’s underlying humor arises from reinforcing the idea that authenticity outweighs societal pressures of perfection.
3. “If I were two-faced, would I be wearing this one?”
This succinct advice encapsulates Lincoln’s humor wrapped in earnestness, as he encourages authenticity in an amusingly simplistic manner. This joke about the reliability of sources humorously underscores the challenges of finding truth in a world inundated with misinformation. With this quote, Lincoln cleverly distills the essence of happiness, hinting that it is a mindset — a simple, yet profound reflection. Lincoln’s wit shines as he turns initial judgment into an opportunity for understanding, using humor as a bridge to connection. This witty observation serves as a reminder about the ephemeral nature of deception, delivered with Lincoln’s signature astuteness. Lincoln humorously emphasizes preparation, turning a mundane task into a lesson about diligence and the value of foresight. With charming simplicity, Lincoln encapsulates morality in a phrase that resonates universally, underscoring the intrinsic nature of human conscience.
4. “Whatever you are, be a good one.”
5. “The trouble with quotes on the internet is that you can never know if they are genuine.” — Abraham Lincoln
6. “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
7. “I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.”
8. “You can fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.”
9. “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
10. “When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. And that’s my religion.”
