Abraham Lincoln

Quotes are word for word from the source.

• Engage in business

  “I would immediately engage in some business, or go to making preparations for it, which would be the same thing.”

  Our noteLincoln suggests that starting a project or business is a cure for despondency.

• Clear pricing terms

  “As to the terms, we are willing to attend each case you prepare and send us for $10 (when there shall be no opposition) to be sent in advance, or you to know that it is safe.”

  Our noteLincoln outlines his legal fees and payment expectations for a business partner.

• Pragmatic Decision Making

  “Shall we accept our share of the proceeds under Mr. Clay's bill, or shall we rather reject that and get nothing?”

  Our noteLincoln argues for accepting a beneficial land bill despite its imperfections rather than holding out for an impossible ideal.

• Question the premise

  “All, or nearly all, of Judge Douglas's arguments are logical, if you admit that slavery is as good and as right as freedom, and not one of them is worth a rush if you deny it.”

  Our noteLincoln points out that even a logical argument fails if its underlying premise is flawed.

• Handling Misrepresentation

  “I presume the editor of that paper is an honest and truth-loving man, and that he will be greatly obliged to me for furnishing him thus early an opportunity to correct the misrepresentation he has made”

  Our noteLincoln addresses a newspaper's false claim about his stance on suffrage with strategic politeness.

• Abundance over conflict

  “I say there is no such necessary conflict. I say that there is room enough for us all to be free, and that it not only does not wrong the white man that the negro should be free, but it positively wrongs the mass of the white men that the negro should be enslaved”

  Our noteLincoln argues that freedom for all does not harm the majority but rather benefits them.

• Refusing backroom deals

  “I authorize no bargains and will be bound by none.”

  Our noteA short telegram sent to his delegation during the Chicago Convention to maintain his independence.

• Energetic execution

  “But whatever policy we adopt, there must be an energetic prosecution of it. For this purpose it must be somebody's business to pursue and direct it incessantly.”

  Our noteLincoln emphasizes the need for relentless focus and clear ownership when executing a chosen strategy.