Was Abraham Lincoln EVER happy?

[Rob Wick]

Lincoln totally achieved all by himself. He wasn't part of those who got everything served to them on a silver plate. That added his motivation to succeed.

While I certainly agree that Lincoln had an inner resolve that served him well (most of the time), this smacks too much of the "self-made man" myth that surrounds so many 19th (and some 20th) century figures and was, in my opinion, severely questioned in the 1950s by Richard Hofstadter.

Examples abound of the influences upon Lincoln that shaped his character and determination. First, there is his birth mother, Nancy Hanks. Second, his stepmother, Sarah Bush Johnston. How about Mentor Graham? How about his own father, who made him realize that he wanted a better life than he witnessed. Both good and bad go toward making up who we are.

Even Lincoln himself alluded to his inability to control things when he wrote to Albert G. Hodges in 1864, "In telling this tale I attempt no compliment to my own sagacity. I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me." One can accuse Lincoln of false modesty here, and there is some evidence that Lincoln, for purely political purposes, did all he could to keep the self-made man myth alive. But as I continue to study Lincoln, I am more thankful each day that William Seward or Salmon Chase were never elected president, but to say that Lincoln achieved what he did by himself takes away from those who influenced and help mold him and further mythologizes Lincoln to the point of caricature.

By the way, welcome to the forum, Emilie

Best
Rob

[Mylye2222]

Lincoln totally achieved all by himself. He wasn't part of those who got everything served to them on a silver plate. That added his motivation to succeed.

While I certainly agree that Lincoln had an inner resolve that served him well (most of the time), this smacks too much of the "self-made man" myth that surrounds so many 19th (and some 20th) century figures and was, in my opinion, severely questioned in the 1950s by Richard Hofstadter.

Examples abound of the influences upon Lincoln that shaped his character and determination. First, there is his birth mother, Nancy Hanks. Second, his stepmother, Sarah Bush Johnston. How about Mentor Graham? How about his own father, who made him realize that he wanted a better life than he witnessed. Both good and bad go toward making up who we are.

Even Lincoln himself alluded to his inability to control things when he wrote to Albert G. Hodges in 1864, "In telling this tale I attempt no compliment to my own sagacity. I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me." One can accuse Lincoln of false modesty here, and there is some evidence that Lincoln, for purely political purposes, did all he could to keep the self-made man myth alive. But as I continue to study Lincoln, I am more thankful each day that William Seward or Salmon Chase were never elected president, but to say that Lincoln achieved what he did by himself takes away from those who influenced and help mold him and further mythologizes Lincoln to the point of caricature.

By the way, welcome to the forum, Emilie

Best
Rob

Yes, I know he had some influence from Graham and others. But unlike others politicians, he was not connected to an Alma Mater, or a fraternity. That's why he did self achieve more than others.

[Eva Elisabeth]

I think those politicians who turn to "organizations" are even more determined to make it however. Quite a lot would sell their souls to succeed. Lincoln wasn't like that in politics. I think, he was genuinely the one he was (which I appreciate). And it happened that he was the right man at the right time in the right place. As Rob said, most were self-made men in those days, and I think this is even today in the US more prevalent than at least in the coutries where I live.

[AussieMick]

Was Lincoln EVER happy? I think he was happiest when 'spoiling' his own children.

He also (anecdotally) was happy when holding a cat. ( I always have suspicions about any man that doesnt like cats.)

He was obviously a great communicator. Thats a skill which every aspiring politician needs. The ability to work a room, talking to everyone (and I mean everyone) in a way that makes them feel that the communicator wants to hear their opinion and cares ... and is able to move away without being rude (in short he could 'network'). He could communicate with children, politicians, jerks, journalists, friends, enemies, nations.

He seems to have never been in a rush to get anywhere or make a decision ... he took his time and once a decision was made ... well, that was it. He wasnt going to change his mind (maybe that's a challenge to you ... when did Lincoln change his mind? ... ok, maybe his love life)

[LincolnMan]

Was Lincoln EVER happy? I think he was happiest when 'spoiling' his own children.

He also (anecdotally) was happy when holding a cat. ( I always have suspicions about any man that doesnt like cats.)

He was obviously a great communicator. Thats a skill which every aspiring politician needs. The ability to work a room, talking to everyone (and I mean everyone) in a way that makes them feel that the communicator wants to hear their opinion and cares ... and is able to move away without being rude (in short he could 'network'). He could communicate with children, politicians, jerks, journalists, friends, enemies, nations.

He seems to have never been in a rush to get anywhere or make a decision ... he took his time and once a decision was made ... well, that was it. He wasnt going to change his mind (maybe that's a challenge to you ... when did Lincoln change his mind? ... ok, maybe his love life)

Spot on examples, I think.

[Rogerm]

I think that the happiest moment of Abraham Lincoln's life probably took place on Election Day, 1860 when he found out that he had truly been elected President of the United States. He rushed off to tell Mary the good news; probably with a great sense of pride.