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Abraham Lincoln

by Ashley from San Diego

A portrait of Lincoln's face (http://www.classic-literature.co.uk/american-authors/19th-century/abraham-lincoln/)
A portrait of Lincoln's face (http://www.classic-literature.co.uk/american-authors/19th-century/abraham-lincoln/)

Thomas Alva Edison once said, “Genius is 1% inspiration, and 99% perspiration” (BrainyQuote). Abraham Lincoln, commonly known as the man who changed America, was an admired individual who fulfilled this saying throughout his entire life. He was born with a steady stream of willpower, and never surrendered to the many hardships that impeded into his life. Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809 in Hardin County, Kentucky, where he lived with his parents Thomas and Nancy Lincoln and his two siblings who later died at young age. Day by day, he grew into a strong, influential man who discovered a passion for politics and a zeal for making a difference. After years of patience and dedication, Lincoln “won the election and took his seat in Congress in December 1847” and later “…won a four-way contest for the presidency” (“Abraham Lincoln”). Although he was once just a man who had a dream, he dedicated his life to fulfilling his goals and changed the United States by saving the Union and ending slavery. Abraham Lincoln, a memorable hero, will always be praised for being a perseverant, determined individual whose legacy will race on forever.

Abraham Lincoln next to the American Flag. (http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-civilwarcauses5.html)
Abraham Lincoln next to the American Flag. (http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-civilwarcauses5.html)

Lincoln was a figure of perseverance and determination, for he never gave up when a quandary stumbled into his life. He was often forced to struggle with the death that occurred around him: “As a young child, two trends shaped the young Lincoln: first, the death of close relatives and friends and, second, his family's frequent moves” (“Abraham Lincoln”). With great effort, Lincoln set aside the fact that he was lonely, his mother having died, and also having two siblings that died at a very young age, and strived for the better in his life. He did not make excuses or fall short of his goals when incidents such as death occurred, but instead invested the time to work for his future and never gave up. When Lincoln lost an election: “Lincoln pondered whether to become a blacksmith and move to a new town or to continue in the business and political world in the New Salem area” (“Abraham Lincoln”). Although Lincoln could have easily given up, he chose to keep working in the political world. Given the fact that Lincoln had a tough past, it is hard to believe that he ended up as a hardworking individual who kept looking towards the future despite the problems he was hampered with. He ceaselessly refused to tremble in the desolate memories of his past, and prepared himself for the exciting journey ahead.

Abraham Lincoln holds the hand of a slave. (http://joshuaagusta.wordpress.com/)
Abraham Lincoln holds the hand of a slave. (http://joshuaagusta.wordpress.com/)

Despite what the common man believed, Lincoln fought for what he viewed as correct, and proved to be both fair and considerate to men of all ages, color, and standing viewpoints. While many opposed Lincoln’s view on slavery: “Lincoln explained that while he was not asking for equality, he believed African-Americans should get the rights granted in the Declaration of Independence: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (Kelley). Lincoln fought for the men that weren’t even recognized as people, and did not even consider listening to the rude remarks and thoughts from his opponents. He kept strong, his moral and ethical values leading his life, and broke the barrier to fight for the rights of the men who were forgotten. While asserting his own beliefs, he also kept a sense of consideration and courtesy, for: “He showed a nobility of character that has worldwide appeal” (Holzer). Lincoln was a popular man; he was well known because of his character and irreproachable attitude. He treated every man equally, and restored the rights of men when no one agreed with him. Lincoln’s character allowed him to save the country as well as gain the favor and respect of the public.

Abraham Lincoln represents the slaves. (http://www.sethchernoff.com/spirituality/iran-china-spiritual-evolution/)
Abraham Lincoln represents the slaves. (http://www.sethchernoff.com/spirituality/iran-china-spiritual-evolution/)

Not only was Lincoln a man of character and perseverance, but he also made essential changes to the United States that still influence the country to this very day. Lincoln changed the country, because: “If the Union had been destroyed, the United States would have become two, or possibly more, nations. These nations separately could not have become as prosperous and powerful as the United States is today” (Holzer). He kept the North and South intact, and created a strong, cohesive country that wouldn’t have been at all unified if it weren’t for Lincoln. Lincoln was the glue to the country, for his belief of unity affected millions of people. Lincoln was not only known for his grandiloquent speeches and heartfelt actions, but throughout time also: “…became a remarkable war leader. Some historians believe he was the chief architect of the Union’s victorious military strategy” (Holzer). His actions as a war leader were very intelligent, for his predictions were always correct and the effects always planned as he anticipated. He was a cunning schemer, and all of his actions trying to unify the North and South made him a powerful, prominent man. The changes Lincoln made to the country created a strong, powerful government in which man could follow his actions and look up to him as a role model.

The Lincoln Memorial, located in Washington D.C. (http://www.american-architecture.info/USA/USA-Washington/DC-005.htm)
The Lincoln Memorial, located in Washington D.C. (http://www.american-architecture.info/USA/USA-Washington/DC-005.htm)

As Christopher Reeve once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles” (Brainyquote). Abraham Lincoln fulfilled all the characteristics of a true hero; he was perseverant, made essential changes, had individuality, and was revered by all people for his continuous effort to make a difference to the country. Lincoln paved the road for Americans, despite the problems that encumbered him. Lincoln is a true genius and a real hero; he put his heart and soul into everything he did, and will continually be a hero to all of humanity. The world today needs more people like Lincoln; mankind should strive to put in the same effort into their lives and work like Lincoln did. Abraham Lincoln will never be just a memory, but a legacy, for his determination, character, will, and actions will never be forgotten.

Works Cited

“Abraham Lincoln." Presidential Administration Profiles for Students. Ed. Kelle S. Sisung and Gerda-Ann Raffaelle. Detroit: Gale Group, 2003. Gale Student Resources In Context. Web. 9 Dec. 2010.

“BrainyQuote.” BrainyQuote. BrainyQuote, n.d. Web. 6 Jan 2011. .

Holzer, Harold. "Lincoln, Abraham." World Book Student. World Book, 2010. Web. 14 Dec. 2010.

Kelley, Martin. “Abraham Lincoln Biography-16th President of the United States.” American History. About, n.d. Web. 14 Dec 2010.

Page created on 1/16/2011 12:00:00 AM

Last edited 1/16/2011 12:00:00 AM

The beliefs, viewpoints and opinions expressed in this hero submission on the website are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs, viewpoints and opinions of The MY HERO Project and its staff.

Related Links

The White House - Go to this site to read about Lincoln's life.
Miller Center of Public Affairs - Go to this site to see facts about Lincoln.
The History Place - Go to this site to see a timeline of Lincoln's life.
Son of the South - Go to this site to see pictures of Lincoln.
Selected Speeches by Abraham Lincoln - Go to this site to read some of Lincoln's speeches.