Who said “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him…”?

Misattributed

Not Abraham Lincoln. It's commonly credited to them, but the evidence shows it isn't theirs.

What the research foundNot by Abraham Lincoln. Earliest known source: Probably derived from Robert G. Ingersoll's tribute to Lincoln.

Evidence: Quote Investigator · Wikiquote · How we check

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“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.”
— Abraham Lincoln
MisattributedNot by Abraham Lincoln. Earliest known source: Probably derived from Robert G. Ingersoll's tribute to Lincoln. · evidencePower

Cite this quote

APA

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” [Quotation attributed to Abraham Lincoln]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/33964-nearly-all-men-can-stand-adversity-but-if/

MLA

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” Attributed to Abraham Lincoln. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/33964-nearly-all-men-can-stand-adversity-but-if/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” Attributed to Abraham Lincoln. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/33964-nearly-all-men-can-stand-adversity-but-if/.

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