Introduction
It is a historical fact that in every generation, there are those individuals who have performed extra-ordinary deeds and as such referred to as pioneers and heroes. It is also a historical fact that every generation of humans possesses its own ideals. The human population has always been and will still be fragmented into at least two classes with the majority worshiping the past with their backs to the sunrise and the minority keeping their faces towards the dawn. The majority are often contented with existence as it is while the few struggle and suffer for future’s sake, seeking to alter caste prejudices and distinctions, emancipate the bonded and bring civilization to mankind. Yet, as it often happens, those who have brought freedom in a given time later become the oppressors. They achieve remarkable reputation, their names becoming as distinguished as those of demigods.
Main body
In 1809, a baby was born amid poverty and difficulty in the woods of Kentucky. He received his education from the skies, the hard soil and from his existence. It can be stated that he earned his degrees from the University of Nature, his name being associated with the emancipation of a great majority of people and the salvation of the American Republic. Abraham Lincoln is the name of this man. Nineteenth century glowed because of this man. What could have been more important than breaking the bonds of slavery and freeing a million individuals from the captivity of the soul? Very few men and women have made a nation glorious and the memory of Abraham Lincoln is the most precious treasure of the United States of America. This paper is about Abraham Lincoln and his genius as a statesman. Lincoln in his first speech as the president of the Union stood on solid rock and he was not wrong. He understood the political questions of the day and no man during his time was as equipped as he was for intellectual conflict. Abraham Lincoln knew the minds of people, their biases, hopes and dreams. Comprehending the average mind was not a big task for him. He was very articulate in his analysis of situation, always candid, logical and honest. Lincoln had a unique association with both the South and North, his kinship ties and sympathies being with the South while his ideals were with the North. He made a stirring inaugural address, appealing for the preservation of the Union. He called for compromise in order to maintain Northerner’s support without alienating the Southerners since he took office during the time when there was tension between North and South. Lincoln was well aware of the evils of slavery and understood the thrill of freedom. A kind and gentle personality, Lincoln had a kind of greatness which would have neither allowed him to be a master nor a slave. He was truly an independent individual who possessed insurmountable manhood and genuine greatness. He was unwilling to put a burden which he himself could not bear upon others due to his justness. Always a man whose desire was to find something to do for the people, Lincoln was more of a statesman than a politician.
Lincoln understood his responsibility and duty as a president especially during the time when slavery was the main problem of the Republic. He deeply resented slavery. In his first message, he made an assurance to the South about the returning of the laws which also governed slavery but they did not accept it. The North was afraid that slavery could be destroyed. Lincoln knew that slavery must perish. The course he pursued was kind, gentle, logical and wise to the extent that millions of democrats sprung to his defense. In 1862, Lincoln read the Proclamation of Emancipation to his cabinet and informed them that he needed no advice. On the 22nd of September the same year, the Proclamation of Emancipation was issued. On the issue of freedom and slavery, Lincoln made a striking generalization holding that the free are only assured of their freedom if the slaves are granted freedom.
Having been educated at the University of Nature, Lincoln not only understood the natural rights of humans but also that of nations and states. In his capacity as a lawyer, Lincoln well understood the human nature. As a lawyer, he never let personal prejudices interfere with his objective analysis of cases. As such, he was always a seeker of truth. His goal was to get in the midst of the case so he may not be deceived. He went against his interests and passion to unearth the truth and pronounce judgment. He possessed an unrivaled sense of humor with a very keen wit. This enabled him to view situations in a way only unique to himself, making the most serious of all situations appear humorous.
Conclusion
The life of Abraham Lincoln pays testimony to the fact that he built upon the rock. He laid a wide, strong and safe foundation. Through years of difficulty, sacrifice and self denial, he struggled, toiled and hoped, not letting his vision be tainted. His purpose was never swayed, his patience infinite. He possessed no prejudice and gave charity for all. Slowly by slowly, he designed and built a strong foundation until finally the Proclamation came to the hearts and minds of men. The only thing he feared was the fear to do wrong, despising slavery and seeking to conquer prejudices. In him, the Republic found the hope and courage to yearn for a better tomorrow. The memory of Abraham Lincoln will never be erased from the minds of the living citizens of the great Republic.
Bibliography
Jeremy Roberts. (2003). Abraham Lincoln. Twenty-First Century Books.
Michael Burlingame. (1997). The Inner World of Abraham Lincoln. University of Illinois Press.
Robert Green Ingersoll, On Abraham Lincoln. Bank of Wisdom, 1894.