Abraham Lincoln

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

There are certain people in history who make such an impact on our lives that nothing and no one is left untouched by their aura. Abraham Lincoln stands out in history as someone who changed the lives of millions. He was the 16th president of United States of America who led his country through the Civil War, which was the most destructive experience in the nation’s history.

Born in 1809, Lincoln’s father was an uneducated, yet skilled carpenter who was the proud owner of three farms in Kentucky. Lincoln’s early years were full of strife and he tried various different occupations before and also served in the Black Hawk War for some time. Even though he didn’t stick with it for too long, it opened new avenues for him. Lincoln faced a difficult time when he started out in politics. He ran unsuccessfully for Illinois legislature in the year 1832. However, he did not get bogged down by the challenge and two years later was elected to the Lower House for the first of four successive terms. He has strong thoughts and ideas for the nation’s economic development owing to his humble background.

Lincoln became a lawyer in 1836 and with a few partners set up a successful law practice. Lincoln served a term as a member of the US House of Representatives. He has strong thoughts against and kind of slavery and firmly believed that “Slavery was the opposite of opportunity and mobility”.

In February 1860, Abraham Lincoln made his first political appearance and was now recognized as a serious presidential candidate and went on to win the presidential election. Lincoln’s achievements, eg., saving the Union and freeing the slaves were some of the factors that contributed to catapulting him at the heights of fame. He urged time and again to follow the policy of “malice toward none” and “charity for all”. Few leaders in history have been able to live up to the standards set by Abraham Lincoln.