“God grant us tenderness that we may not be hurtful in our courage.” – Jonathan Hanaghan

From “Lincoln 365,” by Arnold Kunst

November 16

 ‘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

‘Always read the glass as half full. Empower, encourage, praise. And the rest of us, like flowers in the sunlight, surely will bloom just because we’re in your presence.’

- Arnold Kunst