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“However, upon the subjects of which I have treated, I have spoken as I have thought.”

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— Abraham Lincoln

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Live wording check · 2026-10-27

Author: Abraham Lincoln xecutions, 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-citizens, I shall conclude. Considering the great degree of modesty which should always attend youth, it is probable I have already been more presuming than becomes me. However, upon the subjects of which I have treated, I have spoken as I have thought. I may be wrong in regard to any or all of them; but, holding it a sound maxim that it is better only to be sometimes right than at all times wrong, so soon as I discover my opinions to be erroneous I shall be ready to renounce them. Every man is said to have his peculiar ambition. Whether it be true or not, I can say, for one, that I have no other so great as that of being truly esteemed of my fellow-men by rendering myself worthy of their esteem. How far I shall succeed in gratifying this ambition is yet to be developed. I am young and unknown to many of you; I was born and have ever remaine 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 assures voters of his sincerity after outlining his positions.

What it means (AI)

Expresses his ideal of candid political speech.

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