"Though he was largely self-educated, Abraham Lincoln's literary ability was extraordinary. There are many reasons historians are attracted to Lincoln, but one certainly is the elegance and power of his language." (Preface, page xv)

"Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser—in fees, expenses, and waste of time. As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough." ("Resolve to be honest," page 23)

"In this age, and this country, public sentiment is every thing. With it, nothing can fail; against it, nothing can succeed. Whoever moulds public sentiment, goes deeper than he who enacts statues, or pronounces judicial decisions." ("Public sentiment is every thing," pages 53-54)

"If slavery is right, all words, acts, laws, and constitutions against it, are themselves wrong...