Man is his own star and the soul that can render an honest and perfect man commands all light, all influence, all fate.

Adversity does teach who your real friends are.

I was astonished at the effect my successful landing in France had on the nations of the world. To me, it was like a match lighting a bonfire.

Talent does what it can, Genius does what it must.

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of someone else.

I hold before you my hand with each finger standing erect and alone, and as long as they are held thus, not one of the tasks that the hand may preform can be accomplished. I cannot lift. I cannot grasp. I cannot hold. I cannot even make an intelligible sign until my fingers organize and work together. In this we should also learn a lesson.

Heroes are often the most ordinary of men.

Becuase I could not stop for Death<br> He kindly stopped for me<br> The carriage held but just ourselves<br> And Immortality

...and that this country shall have a new birth of freedom, and that this government, of the people, for the people, by the people, shall not perish from the Earth.

Trying is the first step towards failure.