Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 209

There was a long pause after Lincoln first read the original draft of the Emancipation Proclamation to his cabinet; they were understandably silenced on hearing what was arguably the most profound, astounding document to issue from any presidential administration, before or since. Then eventually someone broke the silence with a suggested change. True to form, Lincoln came up with one of his signature stories. He said, 'Gentlemen, this reminds me of the story of the farmer who had been away from home for some days, and when he was coming back was met by one of his farm hands who greeted him after this fashion: “Master, the little pigs are dead.” And, after a pause, “Oh, and the old sow's dead too, but I didn't like to tell you all at once.”'

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 208

'These men ask for just the same thing, fairness, and fairness only. This, so far as in my power, they, and all others, shall have.'

- Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 207

'Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.'

- Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 206

'This is a world of compensations; and he who would be no slave must consent to have no slave.'

- Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 205

‘This, then, is a story of Lincoln’s political genius revealed through his extraordinary array of personal qualities that enabled him to form friendships with men who had previously opposed him; to repair injured feelings that, left untended, might have escalated into permanent hostility; to assume responsibility for the failures of subordinates, to share credit with ease; and to learn from mistakes. He possessed an acute understanding of the sources of power inherent in the presidency, an unparalleled ability to keep his growing coalition intact, a tough-minded appreciation of the need to protect his presidential prerogatives, and a masterful sense of timing. His success in dealing with the strong egos of the men in his cabinet suggests that in the hands of a truly great politician the qualities we generally associate with decency and morality – kindness, sensitivity, compassion, honesty, and empathy – can also be impressive political resources.’

- Doris Kearns Goodwin

Lincoln’s Wit/Wisdom 204

Allow the president to invade a neighboring nation whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invasion and you allow him to do so whenever he may choose to say he deems it necessary for such a purpose - and you allow him to make war at pleasure.'

- Congressman Abraham Lincoln