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“For my part, I desire to see the time when education--and by its means morality, sobriety, enterprise, and industry--shall become much more general than at present; and should be gratified to have it in my power to contribute something to the advancement of any measure which might have a tendency to accelerate that happy period.”

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— Abraham Lincoln

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Live wording check · 2026-10-27

Author: Abraham Lincoln o dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we, as a people, can be engaged in. That every man may receive at least a moderate education, and thereby be enabled to read the histories of his own and other countries, by which he may duly appreciate the value of our free institutions, appears to be an object of vital importance, even on this account alone, to say nothing of the advantages and satisfaction to be derived from all being able to read the Scriptures and other works, both of a religious and moral nature, for themselves. For my part, I desire to see the time when education--and by its means morality, sobriety, enterprise, and industry--shall become much more general than at present; and should be gratified to have it in my power to contribute something to the advancement of any measure which might have a tendency to accelerate that happy period. With regard to existing laws, some alterations are thought to be necessary. Many respectable men have suggested that our estray laws--the law respecting the issuing of executions, the road law, and some others--are deficient in their present form, and require alterations. But considering the great probability that the framers of those laws were wiser than myself, I should prefer not meddling with them, unless they were first attacked by others, in which case I should feel it both a privilege and a duty to take that stand which, in my view, might tend to the advancement of justice. But, fellow Public domain in the USA.
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Source

Title
Speeches & Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1832-1865
Type
Public-domain primary text · Primary source
Edition date
1907
Location
Lincoln's First Public Speech
Held by
J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd
View source at J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd

Context (AI)

Lincoln explains the social improvements he hopes education will encourage.

What it means (AI)

Connects Lincoln's educational priorities with his aspirations for public service.

Cite this source

Bibliography entry
Lincoln, Abraham. (1907). Speeches & Letters of Abraham Lincoln, 1832-1865. J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd. https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/14721/pg14721.txt
Quotation citation
Lincoln (1907, Lincoln's First Public Speech)
In-text citation
(Lincoln, 1907, Lincoln's First Public Speech)

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Provenance: https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/14721/pg14721.txt