As the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birthday approaches, America is celebrating one its icons with new biographies, the airing of documentaries and special events across the country. A century and a half since his tragic death, the sixteenth president has become part of the cultural fabric of the United States..
Lincoln's greatness is often measured through his remarkable personal and political narratives. The former, a rags to riches story, has been retold countless times to reinforce the cultural ethos of the United States - 'The American Dream'. Despite being born into poverty in the wilderness of Kentucky, Lincoln, a simple farmhand, educated himself on the ways of men and the world through years of voracious reading. As a result of his curiosity and desire for a better life, he succeeded in becoming a prosperous lawyer, an Illinois state representative, a US Congressman and finally President. In short, the life of Lincoln, one of honesty, courage and hard work, epitomizes the American conception of itself as 'the land of opportunity.' In the case of his political narrative, Lincoln is admired for his unsurpassed leadership in 'saving the Union' and ending slavery in one of the most brutal conflicts in world history.
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While both his personal and political narratives contain the general essence of his greatness, one particular attribute in his leadership style, humility, is not only keenly responsible for his success as a head of state but his enduring greatness as well. Three particular examples can best illustrate the power and influence of his humble nature and overall magnanimous disposition toward others.
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Responding to Critics
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Unlike Harry S. Truman, who once threatened to punch a reporter, Lincoln was able to take and respond to criticism with tact and diplomacy. In a August 1862 article entitled 'The Prayer of 20 Millions', Horace Greeley, editor of The New York Tribune, castigated Lincoln for his poor handling of the war and for his vague position on slavery. In reply, Lincoln penned a carefully worded private letter to Greeley stating, 'If I could save the union without freeing any slave, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would also do that.' Rather than issue a heated defense, Lincoln calmly spelled out his options. On the question of slavery, he was a pure pragmatist. While personally holding the conviction that 'If slavery is not wrong, then nothing is wrong', Lincoln understood that the issue was ultimately tied to political considerations and military strategy. More to the point, Lincoln never assailed nor vilified his critics. When confronted with strident opinions inside or outside of his cabinet, he listened carefully and either took their advice or explained his views dispassionately. Consequently, Lincoln was able to win over quite a few of his critics during the war.
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Ignoring Personal Slights
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General George McClellan, whom Lincoln appointed to head the Army of the Potomac, was an ego-driven young man in his mid 30s. Believing himself to be the savior of the country, McClellan brooked no criticism. When contradicted, he would lash out at his opponents in private letters to his wife (Ellen McClellan) or in conversations with others. After months of postponing a major battle against the Confederates, Lincoln decided to pay a visit to his headquarters with his personal secretary John Hay and Secretary of State William Seward to gauge his military plans. After the three men sat for an hour waiting for the General to return, McClellan was finally spotted walking up the stairs on the other side of the room. Another half hour went by, and Lincoln had a note sent to the General to inform him of their presence. Someone, presumably a soldier, then handed a note to Lincoln with the following words 'Tell Lincoln that General McClellan has gone to bed.' If the fiery Andrew Jackson had received such a note, he would have likely stormed upstairs and burst into McClellan's quarters with a drawn sword. After vociferously demanding that he come downstairs immediately, Richard Nixon would have likely launched into a profane verbal tirade. Not Lincoln. Realizing a scene at military headquarters would only be counterproductive, he got up, put on his stove pipe hat and said something to the effect of 'it was better at this time not to be making points of etiquette and personal dignity' to his incredulous companions. As president, he could have ordered McClellan to appear. Instead, Lincoln put his incredible self-control on display and transcended the moment with modesty, grace and wisdom. He could talk to his self-absorbed General another day.
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'I was wrong'
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Lincoln watched his new General, Ulysses S. Grant, as he attempted to take fortified Vicksburg on the Mississippi from a determined force of Confederates. At times, he questioned Grant's strategy and criticized (politely) his tactics. On Independence Day 1863, Grant successfully took Vicksburg due to his brilliantly orchestrated campaign. Nine days later, Lincoln wrote a letter of congratulations to Grant and said, 'When you turned northward, east of Big Black, I feared it was a mistake. I now wish to make the acknowledgment that you were right and I was wrong'. Seldom do leaders possess enough fortitude to admit error. Can General Douglas MacArthur or President George W. Bush be imagined to make a similar statement? From that point forward, Grant trusted Lincoln completely, and their relationship was crucial to winning the war.
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In the face of heavy criticism and personal slights, Lincoln turned the other cheek. After making a mistake, Lincoln accepted responsibility and possessed the personal capacity to admit failure. Hence, his greatness is more than his rise from humble beginnings or his political savvy. It is also composed of an uncommon humility. In that respect, Lincoln is a timeless role-model for all who encounter him.
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J Roquen