"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. "

- Abraham Lincoln 1963 Gettysburg Address

Some quotes echo and re-echo down the sweep of centuries. They stick in the consciousness because they reflect some deeper yearning of man for a better world.

"And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the promised land"

- Martin Luther King - 1968 - "I've Been to the Mountain Top Speech

Some quotes have the power to move nations and peoples to war or fight for a better civilisation

"You ask, what is our policy? I can say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us: to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival."

- Winston Churchill. Speech in the House of Commons, after taking office as Prime Minister (13 May 1940)

Let the ruling classes tremble at a Communistic revolution. The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win. WORKING MEN OF THE WORLD, UNITE!"

- Communist Manifesto. Karl Marx

What is your favourite quote that changed the world?

• See: Quotes That Changed The World
• Quotes that Inspired the World