Was Lincoln's Depression a Blessing?

[L Verge]

(08-18-2018 05:10 AM)LincolnMan Wrote:  Excellent postings all! We know that those who have sufferred greatly mentally and emotionally have produced great works in literature, the arts, etc. Why would it be any different with Lincoln? It gave him perspectives he would not otherwise have had nor felt so strongly.

I see a different perspective that makes Lincoln even greater for overcoming (or at least coexisting with) his depression. It is a crippling illness for many because it causes one to withdraw from society - which Lincoln did periodically.

For those with clinical depression, some relief comes with painting, sculpture, literature, etc. But these are all talents that allow them to work in seclusion and not necessarily commune with those around them. Whereas, Lincoln managed to rise to the top in the field of politics, which meant that he had to make a great deal of contact with people and win their confidence even though he might be shaking inside.

We have all had days where we really don't want to deal with people, and we all have days where we feel "down in the dumps." To put your best foot forward and give a speech to a hundred potential voters would be very hard to do on such days. Imagine Lincoln doing it while under clinical depression and with no modern drugs.