Abraham Lincoln was the sixteenth president of the United
States. He was born on the 12th of February 1809 in rural Kentucky
(USA). He served as president from 1861 to 1865, during the American Civil War.
During the Civil War, Lincoln was determined to maintain the "Union” of
American States at any cost. He fought
the war bravely and declared, “A nation cannot exist half free and half slave.”
He won the war and kept his country united. Almost all historians judge Lincoln
as the greatest president of American history because of the way he exercised
leadership during the war. Lincoln had very little formal education, but had a
strong passion for books and self-learning. His primary means of education was
schooling at home using borrowed books and the Bible. As a legislator, he had a
reputation of eloquent opponent of slavery. Lincoln married Mary Todd in 1842
and they had four children. He was
elected as a president of the United States in 1860, re-elected in 1864 and
served from March 4, 1861 until his death. As president, he built the
Republican Party into a strong national organization. He is remembered for his
character, his speeches and letters and as a man of humble origin whose
determination and perseverance earned him the nation’s highest office. Lincoln
is often admired for his Gettysburg address, which is considered one of the
greatest speeches in American history. He is a symbol of racial equality.
Lincoln was assassinated on the 15th April 1865. His life reveals not only dreams and desires but also his
habits of strong direction, dedication and determination.
Leadership lessons
Focused ambition
Lincoln had a desire to become a great orator. With this aim,
he approached his teacher, Mater Graham. The teacher advised him to learn grammar.
Lincoln borrowed a grammar book and memorized grammar day and night. Lincoln
mastered grammar and attained his goal of becoming a best speaker of his time.
Lincoln kept his ambition focused on serving the people and
winning their esteem. It is said by Lincoln that “Don’t worry when you are not recognized, but strive to
be worthy of recognition. “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to
succeed is more important than any other.”Character as destiny
Lincoln possessed a well developed conscience and courage. He was morally superior. It is said by Lincoln that “Character is like a tree and reputation its shadow. The shadow is what we think it is and the tree is the real thing.” Lincoln was fair, trustworthy, sincere, straight forward with sound moral principle. He even had the nickname “Honest Abe.” It is also told by him that “I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true.”
Courage and commitment
Lincoln possessed supreme will
power: strength of mind. He is remembered for his courage and leadership, his
peacefulness and compassion, his patriotism and devotion to his country. It is said by Lincoln that “It requires more courage to dare to do right than to fear to do
wrong.” It is also said by Lincoln that “Live a good life. In the end it is not the years in a
life, but the life in the years.”
Firm believer of hard work
He acknowledged the power of hard work
to achieve success. It is said by him that “You cannot
escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” Another occasion he quoted that “I am always for the man who wishes to work.”
Habit of persistence
Lincoln is a great example of persistence. Persistence means
never giving up and to do requires self-discipline.
He was defeated for the legislature and lost his job in 1832. He failed in his
own business in 1833.In 1836, he had nervous breakdown. He bought for senate in
1854 and defeated miserably. In 1860, he was elected president of the United
States. "Some day I shall be president" - Lincoln.
Political skills
Lincoln was a skilled politician. He was
admired for his warm storytelling and jokes. He was a man of principle and
ideas. Though he lacked a formal education but he was a voracious reader and
note worthy biographer. Lincoln was naturally prudent and cautious but he took
bigger political risks.It is said by Lincoln that “Be with a leader when he is right, stay with
him when he is still right, leave him when he is wrong.”
Delegation of responsibility and authority
Lincoln delegated
responsibility and authority. Lincoln knew the value of making requests and
persuaded his subordinates to compromise on political/ administrative issues. It is said by Lincoln that “I am a firm believer in the people.
If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The
great point is to bring them to real facts.” On empowerment, it is said by Lincoln that “You
cannot build character and courage by taking away a man’s initiative and
independence.”
Power of democracy
Lincoln understood the power of
democracy to govern people of any country. Lincoln described government as one
of the people (instituted by content), by the people (operate as democracy) and
for the people (protecting their natural rights). It is also said by him that “The people
will save their government, if the government itself will allow them.” He
quoted that “ Public opinion in this country is everything.”
Quotes of Abraham Lincoln for reflection
"I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice."
"A house divided against itself cannot stand."
"Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm."
