The Way Abraham Lincoln Thought by Gene Griessman, Ph.D., author of “The Words Lincoln Lived By”
Abraham Lincoln continues to amaze those who study his leadership style. But leadership style is based on thought processes. How did Lincoln think?
According to one of Lincoln’s presidential secretaries William O. Stoddard, Lincoln thought processes began with careful listening. According to Stoddard, Lincoln was an exceptional listener.
Stoddard, who had numerous opportunities to observe Lincoln up close, made this observation: “He was a most teachable man, and asked questions with a childlike simplicity which would have been too much for the false pride of many a man far less well informed. His fund of knowledge was, as he himself declared, very largely made up of information obtained in conversation.” Stoddard then observed that if Lincoln’s knowledge was “not so well arranged and digested as if it had been the accumulation of careful and exact research, it included a vast amount of information hardly to be found in books.”
–excerpted from INSIDE THE WHITE HOUSE IN WAR TIMES: MEMOIRS AND REPORTS OF LINCOLN’S SECRETARY by William O. Stoddard. A new edition of this Lincoln classic is available, edited by Michael Burlingame. You can find additional Abraham Lincoln quotations that have been verified by Lincoln experts at presidentlincoln.com
“This is a book to cherish and share.”—Bill Marriott, CEO, Marriott International, Inc.
“Not only does Griessman give us Lincoln quotes, but he also weaves each one into a little jewel of an essay on that particular subject.” Wayne C. Temple, renowned Lincoln scholar, Illinois State Archives
A stirring, inspirational treasury of quotations from our greatest and most admired president, the book offers rich material for interpretation, reflection, and spiritual guidance.
You will also enjoy Lincoln Speaks To Leaders by Gene Griessman and Pat Williams.
Don’t leave yet. You’ve found a goldmine. Check out additional power phrases and unusual quotations.
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