Things Lincoln never said

[LincolnMan]

Roger: I just looked the quote up on the web and it's everywhere. Of course, no source for attributing it to Lincoln is given. I suppose these things happen because somewhere at some point someone came across the quote and falsely (and unintentionally?) cited Lincoln as the author. From there it took on a life of its own-some of the quotes eventually being used by well-meaning credible individuals. The quotes become part of the Lincoln lore, don't they? Ronald Reagan giving the false Lincoln quote about fiscal responsibilty, for example. Perhaps it says something about Lincoln that so many false quotes are attributed to him. And I would guess that the quotes probably continue to enhance Lincoln as a wise man- not that he needs any further strengthening- his actual words and works speak for themselves.