Who said “If we could first know where we are, and whither we are tending, we could then better…”?

Verified

Abraham Lincoln. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe House Divided speech (1858)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The House Divided speech (1858).

APA

Lincoln, A. (n.d.). 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. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/24730-if-we-could-first-know-where-we-are/

MLA

Lincoln, Abraham. “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.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/24730-if-we-could-first-know-where-we-are/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Lincoln, Abraham. “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.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/24730-if-we-could-first-know-where-we-are/.