Timeless Examples of Good Writing from Abraham Lincoln
- abesgirl
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
By Sameer Somal
Doylestown, PA
Monday, August 25, 2025

(Editor’s note: Lincoln Group member Sameer Somal is the CEO of Blue Ocean Global Technology and Co-Founder of Girl Power Talk. He is a CFA Charterholder, a CFP® professional, and a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst. A student of all things Mr. Lincoln, Sameer is a testifying subject matter expert witness in economic damages, intellectual property, and internet defamation and a frequent keynote speaker at private industry and public sector conferences.)
Abraham Lincoln is often celebrated for his leadership during one of the most turbulent periods in American history. Yet beyond his role as a statesman, Lincoln remains one of the most compelling writers ever to hold public office. Decades later, his words still offer enduring lessons in clarity, purpose, and emotional depth.
One of Lincoln’s most famous works is the Gettysburg Address, delivered on November 19, 1863. In just 272 words, Lincoln redefined the vision of America. He opened with the now-iconic line: “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”
The speech is often cited as a masterclass in brevity. The phrase “government of the people, by the people, for the people” remains a fixture in writing and public speaking courses today,
Another powerful example is Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address, delivered on March 4, 1865. Rather than celebrating victory near the end of a brutal war, Lincoln spoke with humility. He wrote: “With malice toward none, with charity for all... let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds....”
This passage captures Lincoln’s conciliatory tone and his call for national healing. His ability to use plain, compassionate language without sacrificing depth or dignity sets a high standard for leadership communication.
A lesser-known but equally moving piece is his letter to Mrs. Bixby, dated November 21, 1864. In it, Lincoln offered condolences to a mother believed to have lost five sons in the Civil War: "I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement...."
The letter stands as a model of empathetic correspondence. Its sincerity and restraint reflect Lincoln’s understanding of how words can offer comfort in moments of deep sorrow.
Lincoln's legal writing also displayed his precision and discipline. As a practicing lawyer, he was known for arguments that were honest, persuasive, and grounded in fact. In one case, he wrote, "The facts proved...must govern the judgment."
That sentence, though simple, reveals Lincoln’s respect for truth and logic. These values shaped not only his legal practice but also his speeches and letters.
What makes Lincoln’s writing timeless are the principles behind it: clarity, empathy, brevity, and conviction. His work shows us that powerful writing does not require ornate language. It requires intention, honesty, and an understanding of one’s audience. In today’s world, Lincoln’s words continue to serve as a guide for anyone who seeks to write with purpose and meaning.
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