Abraham Lincoln and Oprah Winfrey played the long game. Through their own self-transformations and witnessing the experiencing of others they constructed a foundation upon which they would build their life missions. As they searched for understanding of their own experiences and sought to understand the desires of those around them they gained conviction that they both had a higher purpose that they needed to fulfill. They knew that they could have a lasting impact on the world. Lincoln and Winfrey were flexible leaders willing to listen to those around them and change course if, and when, necessary. In a letter written to Horace Greeley in 1862, President Lincoln told Greeley, “I shall try to correct errors when shown to be errors; and …show more content…
Many times Lincoln did not know how to continue or who to turn to for answers. He kept a very close circle of friends and didn’t trust many people, even though many thought that they were his close friends. In times of need Lincoln instead turned to God. Revealing his humility and faith he said, “I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to turn.” He knew that he would only be successful at the monumental task of preserving the Union with “the assistance of the divine …show more content…
At what may have been the most difficult time of his presidency (he recently lost his son and no progress was being made by his generals), Lincoln wrote what we now know as the Meditation of the Divine Will. In it he says: The will of God prevails. In great contests, each party claims to act in accordance with the will of God. Both may be, and one must be wrong. God cannot be for and against the same thing at the same time. ... I am almost ready to say this is probably true – that God wills this contest, and wills that it shall not end yet – By his mere quiet power, on the minds of the now contestants, He could have either saved or destroyed the Union without a human contest – Yet the contest began – And having begun He could give the final victory to either side any day – Yet the contest
The American Civil War not only proved to be the country’s deadliest war but also precipitated one of the greatest constitutional crises in the history of the United States. President Lincoln is revered by many Americans today as a man of great moral principle who was responsible for both preventing the Union’s dissolution as well as helping to trigger the movement to abolish slavery. In retrospect, modern historians find it difficult to question the legitimacy of Lincoln’s actions as President. A more precise review of President Lincoln’s actions during the Civil War, however, reveals that many, if not the majority, of his actions were far from legitimate on constitutional and legal grounds. Moreover, his true political motives reveal his
Before taking office, each president is required to take an oath in which they state, “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” (634) However, of all the forty-four presidents who have served America, no other president in American history has faced the enormous challenges and national crisis as did Lincoln. Throughout his presidency, Lincoln endured immense challenges associated with the Civil War. In fact, the Civil War is referred to “our greatest national trauma.” (632) Lincoln’s presidential election unraveled the tensions between the North and South, precipitating a prolonged and bloody war. However, Lincoln’s audacious leadership, determination, and character in a period of national crisis made him America’s greatest
James Oakes gave a brilliant and unique perspective to a relationship between two well known historical figures of their time. Abraham Lincoln is a well-admired president for the United States because as Americans culture teaches that he was an honest and well-respected man. He heard about a young African American man, who had high aspirations for his life and the blossoming United States. This man’s name was Frederick Douglass. James Oakes demonstrates how both Douglass and Lincoln worked towards the abolishment of slavery and effectively producing better outcomes within antislavery politics.
Throughout history we often see Abraham Lincoln as a great president, whose words and action inspire people throughout the nation to change the mindset of how we think about the importance of human lives regardless of race and ethnic groups. His journey toward changing the people perspective on the moral issue of slavery is no easy task to accomplished. But his action however, it did leave an everlasting impact for many African American that being chain by the cruel acts of slavery to experience freedom for the first time. And his Lincoln’s legacy would inspire other individuals to take a stand on their ideas and fight for the freedom of our fellow man. Individuals, such as Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr take pride on their belief to fight for the equality their race and to unite the nation as one. In the book “The Fiery Trial” by
...he former. Also, Lincoln shows a remarkable change in character from his ambitious ante bellum days, to his later years concurrent with the civil war, which are drenched in solemnity and even a little bit of religious zeal. It is interesting to watch his growth as a politician, from what could be considered a firebrand, insensitive to the issues at hand, to the unforthcoming fresh president fearful of civil war, to the previously mentioned zealous patriarch. As one can see, his personal and political growth goes hand in hand; being very difficult to separate. Ultimately, by examining Lincoln’s major speeches, one can arrive at a variety of conclusions, being that one can trace the changes of Lincoln’s character and political personality over the years, and determine as to what extent was Lincoln a democratic autocrat; the answer to the latter conclusion being hardly.
One of Lincoln’s most famous quotes is “A House divided against itself cannot stand.” This describes his presidency well- focusing on maintaining the Union. In the beginning, Lincoln tried to stay out of sensitive affairs involving the North and South in an attempt to keep them together, promising the South little interference. Despite this, he played a key role in passing the Thirteenth Amendment, doing whatever it takes to end slavery for good and ending the Civil War.
'With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.' In the delivery of Lincoln's 'Second Inaugural,' many were inspired by this uplifting and keen speech. It had been a long war, and Lincoln was concerned about the destruction that had taken place. Worn-out from seeing families torn apart and friendships eradicated, he interpreted his inaugural address. It was March of 1865, and the war, he believed, must come to an end before it was too late. The annihilation that had taken place was tragic, and Lincoln brawled for a closure. The 'Second Inaugural' was very influential, formal, and emotional.
Abraham Lincoln wrote one of the greatest speeches in American history known as the Gettysburg Address. It was not only used as a dedication to the fallen troops of the North and South, but as a speech to give the Union a reason to fight and attempt to unite the divided nation. The sixteenth president’s handling of his speech at Gettysburg demonstrated how the effectiveness of juxtaposition, repetition, and parallelism, could bring unity to a nation deeply divided on beliefs. His speech touched the hearts of many and indirectly put an end to the Civil War. Lincoln may have been considered a tyrant at the time but he was a great leader of a nation, a war, and a democracy.
He made concepts simple and communicated with an understanding of the concerns of the citizens. When the war ended and he won reelection, Lincoln did not focus on his achievements.Instead, in his second inaugural speech, Lincoln focused on bringing the country together as expressed in the following excerpt. “With malice toward none, with charity for all, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all
After delivering his basic values, Lincoln persuaded the audience to accept a more visionary value. This visionary value discussed a goal by projecting what needs to be done to achieve a favorable situation in the future. After some words that express his “plea to charity” (Solomon 37), Lincoln said, “To do all of which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and all.” This concluded his visionary value of positive deeds that will lead the people to a favorable
The term Renaissance Man or Renaissance Individual refers to a person that is skilled in many talents and/or has extensive knowledge. Through the centuries, there have been many people who have fit this description. People like Leonardo da Vinci, Einstein and Galileo Galilei.
Winfrey, Oprah, and Bill Adler. The Uncommon Wisdom of Oprah Winfrey: A Portrait in her Own Words. New York: Carol Pub. Group, 1997. Print.
In a very humble and quick speech Abraham Lincoln not only honorably confers a departure to the soldiers who gave their lives for their country, but also unites a nation under a common goal. Through his rhetorical usage of repetition and parallelism Lincoln delivers his chief message of unity as a nation. In Abraham Lincoln’s revolutionary and celebrated speech “The Gettysburg Address,” Lincoln’s use of superior rhetoric and leadership reignites the American people’s passion and desire to come together for a common goal.
Oprah Winfrey: An inspirational role model. Many people find someone in his/her life to look up to, a role model. There are many different kinds of role models; they can be singers, public speakers, a parent, or even a friend. Role models are not determined by certain criteria.
One of the most powerful women in the world is Oprah Gail Winfrey. Oprah is one of the richest businesswomen in the world, but she wasn’t always rich and successful. She had a very tough life growing up and didn’t have much money. She has always been a hard worker, and she had a passion for hosting and acting. Oprah is very good at what she does and that’s how she raised to the top of being one of the most influential women in the media.