Abraham Lincoln Quotes: 20 Sayings By The Former President To Honor His 208th Birthday

Sunday would be Abraham Lincoln's 208th birthday. The boy who would later become the 16th president of the United States was born Feb. 12, 1809 in Kentucky, and as he grew up he would spend his life and career devoted to public service.

Centuries later, Lincoln, known for abolishing slavery and guiding the country through the Civil War, is now honored alongside George Washington on President's Day. This year, the holiday falls on Feb. 20 — but you don't have to wait that long to celebrate Honest Abe. You can spend his birthday getting inspired by his speeches and writings.

Here are 20 Lincoln quotes, collected from BrainyQuote, Wikiquote and AZ Quotes:

"Beware of rashness, but with energy and sleepless vigilance go forward and give us victories."

"It is a sin to be silent when it is your duty to protest."

"No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar."

"You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today."

"I will prepare and some day my chance will come."

"If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could then better judge what to do, and how to do it."

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other."

"The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who'll get me a book I ain't read."

"The time comes upon every public man when it is best for him to keep his lips closed."

"The better part of one's life consists of his friendships."

"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."

"We hope all danger may be overcome; but to conclude that no danger may ever arise would itself be extremely dangerous."

"When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That's my religion."

"Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be."

"Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way."

"Our government rests in public opinion. Whoever can change public opinion, can change the government, practically just so much."

"Stand with anybody that stands right. Stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong."

"Truth is generally the best vindication against slander."

"Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves."

"I have great respect for the semicolon; it is a mighty handy little fellow."