Lesser-known Lessons Learned From Abraham Lincoln 

With Abraham Lincoln’s 216th birthday Feb. 12 and Presidents’ Day Feb. 17, the lives of previous U.S. presidents can provide not only insights into present issues, but also timeless lessons in leadership. By working through hardships, just like everyone else, many of these men grew as people, which gave them the courage to make profound decisions.

It’s necessary to acknowledge growth and humility are essential features for leaders to cultivate within themselves and exemplify outwardly. Our current state of affairs — consisting of a self-serving president with no dissent from his advisors — demonstrates a far deviation from the prioritization of these characteristics. 

The courage Lincoln needed to pen the Emancipation Proclamation might’ve come from overseeing the largest mass execution in the U.S. After the 1862 Dakota War, 38 Sioux people — many of whom did not fight — were sentenced to death in a kangaroo court. Despite the opportunity, Lincoln refused to exercise the same clemency to the Indians he gave liberally throughout his tenure

Presidents’ decisions are always held under intense scrutiny, and history puts the morality of contemporary dilemmas in a clearer light. Yet, the thought processes of these complicated figures aren’t always obvious. Though history shapes the present, the way it does so isn’t black and white. 

Though many contentious individuals have served as America’s commander in chief, ambition is a vital characteristic for any candidate vying for public office. However, today it seems unhealthy ambition and personal greed are driving decisions from lawmakers on both sides, promoting a mob mentality among the public.

Lincoln sensed a similar movement amongst Illinois elected officials, who were using their political posts for monetary gain. He viewed an informed populace as the greatest counter to dictatorial politicians. Instead of bowing down to a shifting reality that tried to diminish democracy, Lincoln returned to the words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence for guidance throughout his career.

Lincoln interpreted these documents as calls to action — not just empty words lost to history. They weren’t restrictions, but rather catalysts prompting Americans to take advantage of individual freedoms. 

In his twenties, Lincoln worked multiple jobs while pursuing an education — like some Loyola students today — imagining a reality where laws and civic duties were impressed on children from a young age. 

Lincoln argued education is the bedrock of democracy and a critical element in the experiment of ordinary people governing themselves. 

Despite his father’s belief  reading would make him idle, while living off the land as a young boy in the Kentucky Wilderness, he found the courage to trek 20 miles to get his hands on textbooks. The president clearly knew the importance of education firsthand. 

In addition to championing education, Lincoln was known for his political ambition. With high hopes for himself and for the future of his country, Lincoln acts as a great example of balancing ambition with humility. In his first announcement of a run for office, Lincoln was explicit about his desires.

“I can say for one that I have no other so great as that of being truly esteemed of my fellow men,” Lincoln wrote.

The best way to learn humility is through overcoming adversity. Too ingrained in our culture determined by grades and salaries is the fear of failure, especially more than once. Lincoln taught us not to be daunted by failure and said he would need to be defeated “some five or six times” before he would give up running for the Illinois State Assembly. 

When newsfeeds become distressing or the future seems uncertain, Lincoln’s actions guide us to embrace the discomfort, then develop a mission. Whether your calling is to become a nurse, politician or loving parent, Lincoln shows us the best way to cope with the present is to pursue our personal missions wholeheartedly — no matter what external hardships may arrive.

Watching as some of the richest people in the world take the reins of the U.S. government with little to no resistance can be frightening and almost unbelievable. After reconciling the adversity, Lincoln would’ve channeled his disbelief into action and looked back at the documents that framed his conception of America’s ideals — we should do the same.

The Declaration of Independence and Constitution tell us protests and speaking out aren’t signs of disloyalty, but rather inalienable rights, essential to being an American. Voting isn’t a frivolous action, but a necessary part of life. Fair representation in the courts isn’t a privilege — it should be as certain as death and taxes. 

So as a birthday gift to Lincoln and a way to make sense of an ever-changing world, I urge you to learn more about Honest Abe — beyond the stoic memorial in Washington, D.C. 

When feeling self-doubt, remind yourself a poor man from the Kentucky backwoods, who had to fight for every chance at education, was capable of leading the country through the Civil War. With vast knowledge at our fingertips and a material quality of life never before seen on the planet, we are set up to accomplish extraordinary things.

Just imagine what you can do.