Presidential influences
Abraham Lincoln’s birthday was on Feb. 12, and George Washington’s is today, Feb. 22.
But we honor them both and all American presidents on President’s Day (which this year fell on Feb. 20).
Both Lincoln and Washington are among the American presidents that served with great distinction and dedication, and as a result they warrant our admiration.
The influence of Lincoln in particular has been thoroughly documented for more than 150 years, and he seems to always be viewed in the most positive light.
That says a lot about his greatness.
Because I’m an educator at heart, I feel strongly that American classrooms should give more attention to the biographies of the great movers and shakers throughout the course of history.
Studying a person’s life should include why that person was crucial in history, what obstacles were overcome, and what lessons he or she left behind.
It would not only give our children a greater understanding of history, but would also teach them valuable lessons about hard work, perseverance, the importance of an education (both formal or informal) and good character.
And Lincoln should definitely be on such a list.
In his own way Lincoln taught us much about life, leadership and high ideals.
He was both a good leader and an honest individual.
And he came along right when America needed him.
It matters not that Lincoln lived in 19th century America; his example teaches a lot about how to navigate through life even today.
And how is that? Well, several insights speak well of Lincoln’s resiliency, his work ethic, and his positive attitude. Here are three observations.
First, he endured countless difficulties and made the very best of them.
Pulitzer prize winner Doris Kearns Goodwin, in her bestselling book “Team of Rivals,” wrote that part of Lincoln’s greatness as a leader was that he had “a wide range of emotional strengths, forced in the crucible of personal hardship .…”
Second, throughout his life he focused on continually learning more.
Author Donald T. Phillips, in his book “Lincoln on Leadership,” wrote that Lincoln was “given to intellectual pursuits” and was “naturally inquisitive.” Even as an adult, Lincoln worked hard to master the ability to communicate — to express himself, to persuade and motivate others. Phillips wrote, “… He so dramatically increased his ability to speak and write that he is today regarded as a model for poetic and artistic expression.”
Third, Lincoln had an ability to be positive and to have a healthy perspective, even in the midst of troubles and stressful circumstances.
Lincoln believed each individual can develop his or her own healthy outlook. He made a profound statement about life when he said (as quoted by Dale Carnegie in “How to Win Friends and Influence People”), “Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
There are other insights that could be mentioned. For instance, his second inaugural address is a masterpiece both in substance and in style.
But for now it is enough to acknowledge that Lincoln’s life had a great impact.
Having an impact, making a difference, and being a force for good are lessons our students need to learn. For that matter, it is a lesson all of us need to be reminded of from time to time.
On Jan. 19, the night before the Donald Trump inauguration, we were able to witness an iconic scene on television when Trump and his family gazed up at the statue of Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial.
It was very appropriate and very symbolic. Every time the United States gets a new president, we not only see a peaceful transfer in the executive office, but we should also be reminded that every American president has shining examples to emulate and an almost-sacred duty to fulfill.
Bill O’Reilly, in his best-selling book “Killing Lincoln,” wrote that Lincoln’s “life and death continue to shape us as a people, even today,” and that he “represents the good that can make us stronger.”
So Lincoln’s influence lives on, and our country will be better if we pass it on to our children, both at school and at home.
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