Lincoln: Timing is everything?

[LincolnMan]

Herndon gave this quote from Lincoln:

"I shall go just so fast and only so fast as I think I'm right and the people are ready for the step."


Is the "timing thing" the key to understanding Lincoln? I think it was then and continues to be now. People were frustrated with him then and today some continue express similar frustration as they look back on his actions. For instance, on the slavery issue: "Why didn't he just free them outright?" -(this is said even today). Timing. I have mentioned my admiration for abolitionist Zachariah Chandler (I feel a "book" inside me about him). He wanted slavery ended immediately. I believe he was great on intention but it was not feasible "before its time." I think Chandler was mistaken on that one. Lincoln wanted slavery done-but timing was everything. Your thoughts?