562 - Lincoln on Learning and Leadership
February 12, 2009 Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Feb 12, 2009.
#562 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,587 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Special Edition: Lincoln on Learning and Leadership
Happy Birthday, President Lincoln! For me, you are one of the most fascinating historical figures. A lifelong learner with only a few years in formal schools, Lincoln’s story is intriguing. On the 200th Birthday of Abe Lincoln, here are a few of his quotes about learning, leadership and life:
On The Role of Education in America:
“Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in. That every man may receive at least, a moderate education, and thereby be enabled to read the histories of his own and other countries, by which he may duly appreciate the value of our free institutions, appears to be an object of vital importance, even on this account alone, to say nothing of the advantages and satisfaction to be derived from all being able to read the scriptures and other works, both of a religious and moral nature, for themselves. For my part, I desire to see the time when education, and by its means, morality, sobriety, enterprise and industry, shall become much more general than at present, and should be gratified to have it in my power to contribute something to the advancement of any measure which might have a tendency to accelerate the happy period.”
On Agile Leadership:
“I shall try to correct errors when shown to be errors, and I shall adopt new views so fast as they shall appear to be true views.”
On Reading & Problems:
“A capacity, and taste, for reading, gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others. It is the key, or one of the keys, to the already solved problems. And not only so. It gives a relish, and facility, for successfully pursuing the [yet] unsolved ones.”
On Persuasion:
“When the conduct of men is designed to be influenced, persuasion, kind, unassuming persuasion, should ever be adopted. It is an old and a true maxim, that a “drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of gall.”
On Performance & Motivation:
“Every man is proud of what he does well; and no man is proud of what he does not do well. With the former, his heart is in his work; and he will do twice as much of it with less fatigue. The latter performs a little imperfectly, looks at it in disgust, turns from it, and imagines himself exceedingly tired. The little he has done, comes to nothing, for want of finishing.”
On Lincoln’s Image and Expectations:
“Nobody has ever expected me to be president. In my poor, lean lank face nobody has ever seen that any cabbages were sprouting.”
LifeLong Learning. Here is how he is described on the Lincoln Bicentennial Site:
“Abraham Lincoln was a lifelong learner! His education began at his mother’s—and later, his step-mother’s—knee. With less than two years of formal education, though, he managed to become one of our most eloquent Presidents. The desire to rise above his poor beginnings and sheer perseverance and led to him to teach himself math as a child and later to pursue a career in law. Throughout his life, he continued to educate himself.”
For more insight into Lincoln’s life and learning activities to share with your family and colleagues:
http://www.lincolnbicentennial.gov
Respectfully,
Elliott Masie
Contact me at emasie@masie.com
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