Who said “A house divided against itself cannot stand -- I believe this government cannot endure…”?

Verified

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

SourceThe House Divided speech (1858)

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“A house divided against itself cannot stand -- I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free.”
— Abraham Lincoln
VerifiedThe House Divided speech (1858) · evidenceUnity
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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.). A house divided against itself cannot stand -- I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/41079-a-house-divided-against-itself-cannot-stand-i/

MLA

Lincoln, Abraham. “A house divided against itself cannot stand -- I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/41079-a-house-divided-against-itself-cannot-stand-i/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Lincoln, Abraham. “A house divided against itself cannot stand -- I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/41079-a-house-divided-against-itself-cannot-stand-i/.

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