Saying a Lot with a Little

Have you heard that most of us experience three deaths?

The first death is the physical death when our body ceases to function.

The second death occurs when our body is given up for cremation or burial.

The third death occurs when people stop talking about us.

By this last measure, Abraham Lincoln will never die. He likely will live forever in our hearts and minds.

It’s not just because Americans celebrate his birthday every year.

This year, February 16 is designated as Presidents Day, combining the birthdays of George Washington (February 22) and Lincoln (February 12) into a single commemoration to create a three-day weekend.

Yet long before this federal holiday was created in 1971, Washington and Lincoln were linked. In 1862, during the war between the states, Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring February 22 a day of celebration honoring Washington to encourage national unity and reinforce the ideals of the nation’s founding.

Lincoln’s legacy lives because he’s an example of a remarkable leader who possessed a rare combination of strategic acumen, profound empathy and rock-solid principles. He applied these qualities to steer the young nation through constitutional, military, and moral crises, preserving the Union, ending slavery, and promoting economic and financial modernization. All in just over four years.

A Reminder for Leaders

Through it all, Lincoln was an effective communicator.

He told stories to diffuse tension, win debates, and puncture pomposity.

On the occasion of the sudden death of the federal Postmaster, a congressman hurried to Lincoln to inform him. Lincoln knew the Postmaster and was saddened by the news. Before Lincoln could even reply to the news, the congressman said, “Mr. Lincoln, I would like to take his place.” A disgusted Lincoln said, “Well, that will be fine with me, if it is alright with the undertaker.”

Lincoln appreciated a good story told by others and frowned on those who were verbose. Once, when referring to an unnamed Chicago businessman, Lincoln said, “That man can compress the most words in the fewest ideas of any man I ever met.”

By contrast, Lincoln could say more with a few words than most people.

As noted in last year’s Lincoln tribute (“Long Live Lincoln”), the President’s presence for the dedication of Gettysburg National Cemetery was almost an afterthought. The headliner was a former governor, senator and secretary of state. That person’s speech contained 13,607 words and lasted two hours. Do you remember his name? What he said? Forgettable.

Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address contained 268 words and lasted less than three minutes. Immortal.

The timeless reminder for today’s leaders: The more you talk, the less people hear.

Saying a Lot with a Little

Lincoln’s storytelling was one of his greatest skills.

He was equally adept expressing powerful ideas succinctly and memorably.

On the cost of leadership
If there is a worse place than hell, I am in it.

On ignoring problems
You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.

On craving approval
Avoid popularity if you would have peace.

On self-promotion
What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself.

On character
Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.

On telling the truth
No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar.

On power
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.

On preparation
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.

On risk-taking
If we never try, we shall never succeed.

On steadfastness
Don’t swap horses while crossing a stream.

On relationships
The better part of one’s life consists of his friendships.

On understanding
I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.

On forgiveness
Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?

On bestowing grace
I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.

On learning
I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.

On double standards
Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.

On persistence
My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.

On America
My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of earth.

Happy birthday, Uncle Abe. You’re alive in our hearts and minds.