Bound Quotes
I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have.
"I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have."— Abraham Lincoln
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Meaning of this quote
Integrity provides a standard of conduct even when victory remains uncertain. The speaker prioritizes acting conscientiously over controlling the final outcome.
Key takeaway:
Measure your conduct by honesty as well as results.
Origin of the quote
A traditional Lincoln attribution, repeated in 1932 congressional memorial addresses.
Who actually said this?
Commonly attributedThe government publication is a later tribute, not an original Lincoln speech or letter. Its repetition does not authenticate the reported words.
