Abraham Lincoln · 1863

The Gettysburg Address

Two hundred and seventy-two words that redefined a nation.

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Abraham Lincoln · 1865

Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address

“With malice toward none, with charity for all” — mercy at the end of a war.

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Theodore Roosevelt · 1910

The Man in the Arena

The case for daring greatly — and against the cheap seats.

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Modern classics

Still under copyright, so these pages hold excerpts and the story of each speech — with the full recording or transcript linked at its official home.

Steve Jobs · 2005

Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish

Three stories, one commencement, and the most-watched graduation speech ever given. Full video included.

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Bill Watterson · 1990

Some Thoughts on the Real World by One Who Glimpsed It and Fled

The Calvin and Hobbes creator on playfulness, real jobs, and inventing your own meaning.

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Martin Luther King, Jr. · 1968

The Drum Major Instinct

“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” The sermon behind the line, two months before Memphis.

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While you’re here

One short essay on optimism, purpose, and enough — every Saturday morning.

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