“Understanding the spirit of our institutions to aim at the elevation of men, I am opposed to whatever tends to degrade them.”

— Abraham Lincoln

Letter to Dr. Theodore Canisius (17 May 1859)
1850s

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Abraham Lincoln 618

16th President of the United States 1809–1865

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This that I am, whatever it be, is mere flesh and a little breathe and the ruling Reason (Haines translation)
This Being of mine, whatever it really is, consists of a little flesh, a little breath, and the part which governs.
A little flesh, a little breath, and a Reason to rule all – that is myself.
II, 2
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