In the second section of Honor's Voice, Wilson writes about Lincoln at the age of Twenty-Two as he arrives in New Salem, Illinois only a boat's ride away from his hometown of Springfield. At first glance, Wilson uses Lincoln's own words to describe Lincoln's appearance: "He was, he said later, 'a strange, friendless, uneducated, penniless boy, working on a flat boat - at then dollars per month'"(Wilson 56) Lincoln had come to the town to work, returning home after several months had passed. When he came back again for work, "his unrolled pants...were several inches too short. And even on the frontier, people judged by appearances, and the impression made by the young Abraham Lincoln was hardly favorable" (Wilson 64).
Yes, this was Lincoln's appearance, but to use the old expression, 'don't judge a book by its cover' wouldn't be inappropriate in Lincoln's case; "In his dress and physical appearance he was every inch a bumpkin, a yokel, a slightly eccentric example of a recognizable type" (Wilson 65). Through Lincoln, we see this classical example. One's appearance doesn't always tell you what one will be like in character. In fact, one's appearance may be completely misleading if either by purpose, like Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie, or if by nature, like in Abraham Lincoln's case. It was what Lincoln experienced the first time in New Salem that led him on a course of self-education. He had no formal education so he resorted to teaching himself through poetry, history, and philosophy. Through philosophy and skeptic religious studies "he pursued a course of intellectual inquiry that challenged some of the most deeply held beliefs of his time and place" (Wilson 85). Choosing what he wished to study, Lincoln became educated in reason which led him to adopt ideas which were "against the grain" (Wilson 85). These ideas, and therefore his education, led him to make the ethical decisions of his presidency.
4 comments:
I think it is interesting to see what made Lincoln make the choices he did. I can see how much his education affected him and caused his views to change. It will probably continue to affect his beliefs and decisions throughout the rest of his life. I am curious as to what “ethical decisions” he will have to make in the future.
Judging on your blog, this story is probably a biography and not a memoir by Lincoln himself. However, this seems to be pretty accurate information for us in itself as we are brought to some of "Lincoln's words." We see that Lincoln, starting out a penniless and poor boy and experiencing a life of a lower class citizen can help him make the choices that he did. He also studied alot of philosophical and skeptical ideas, which help to shape his ethical views. Later on, we see that this helps play out his role in presidency since he develops the ideas different from that of others. These different ideas, that are brought by him, shape America today because if it wasn't for him, it would be much different.
I guess first impressions aren't true. It turns out that his education significantly affected Lincoln and his future decisions he would end up making as president in a really rough time. This shaping probably allowed for the rational thinking that shaped America today.
Lincoln is truly an inspiring man. If someone has been to the Lincoln Memorial it is obvious how deep an impact his presidency and life has made in our country's history. If Lincoln's first impression had affected his ability to win the presidency, our country would be totally different from what it is like today. I highly respect Abraham Lincoln, especially after reading his moving speech that is engraved into the wall of the monument. For a man who originally was uneducated, the thoughts and ideals of him during his presidency show an incredible metamorphosis into a practically new person.
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