Lessons From Lincoln Amid Political Polarization

It’s a cliché at this point to remark on the level of division and polarization facing the United States today. Despite our current cultural and political climate, it’s also true that we have faced significant division before and emerged intact on the other side. Without oversimplifying our unique challenges in the present, we can learn a great deal from the man who led our nation through the turbulent events of the Civil War. In his many speeches, Abraham Lincoln was deliberate, thoughtful, and noticeably void of triumphalism. In the conclusion of his Second Inaugural Address, Lincoln encouraged “malice toward none” and “charity for all.” These are certainly sentiments we would do well to live by in our politically charged age.  Read Full Article »