When seeking wisdom in times of uncertainty, I turn first to the Bible—and right after that, to one book that has become a cornerstone of my decision-making journey: Leadership Lessons of Abraham Lincoln: Strategies, Advice, and Words of Wisdom on Leadership, Responsibility, and Power.
Let’s face it: the job of a politician has been looked down upon for centuries. Yet among the noise, a few voices echo with timeless clarity. Abraham Lincoln is one such voice. Despite the political chaos of his era, Lincoln emerged as a symbol of ethical leadership, emotional intelligence, and unwavering conviction. It’s not surprising that many of today’s influential leaders often ask themselves, “What would Lincoln do in this situation that I’m in?”
This compact book is a treasure trove of Lincoln’s most impactful writings and speeches. It’s an essential read for anyone committed to personal development and becoming a more effective leader in life, love, or career.
You might wonder: Why should I care what a 19th-century politician had to say? Maybe you’re not leading a country—you’re just trying to survive the 9-to-5 grind or keep your home life from unraveling. But here’s the truth I’ve discovered: everything worth having in life depends on mastering leadership skills.
Whether you’re in a relationship, a stressful job, or simply trying to improve yourself, you need discipline, emotional regulation, and strategic thinking. Leadership is not just for CEOs. It’s for parents, employees, entrepreneurs, and wives/husbands. It’s the silent force behind self-mastery, financial stability, and emotional resilience.
Lincoln teaches that great leadership is more than power—it’s about self-control, clear judgment, and selective conflict. I used to believe I had to prove my point in every disagreement and show to the other how he is wrong in his decision or thinking. Now, I realize how foolish and energy consuming that was. Lincoln’s approach? Choose your battles wisely—or better yet, avoid them altogether when possible.
“The advice of a father to his son- ‘Beware of entrance to a quarrel, but being in, bear it that the opposed may beware thee ‘ is good, and yet not best. Quarrel not at all. No man resolved to make the most of himself can spare time for personal contention. Still less can he afford to take all the consequences, including the vitiating of his temper, and the loss of self-control
.”
— Letter to Capt. James M. Cutts, October 26, 1863
Leadership requires knowing when to walk away. If you constantly lose your temper, people lose trust in your ability to lead—at work and at home. As Lincoln said:
“Better to give your path to a dog than be bitten by him in contesting for the right.Even killing the dog would not cure the bite
”
— Letter to Capt. James M. Cutts, October 26, 1863
Mastering Emotions and Decisions
Effective leaders are calm under pressure. They don’t make life-changing decisions out of anger, grief, or elation. Think before sending that harsh email or ending that relationship. Lincoln reminds us:
“Even though much provoked, let us do nothing through passion and ill temper.”
— Address at Cooper Institute, February 27, 1860
And it’s not just about emotional control. Lincoln believed deeply in continuous self-education, resilience, and faith. He knew that leadership begins with self-improvement:
“I view education as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in.”
— Open Letter to the People of Sangamo County, March 9, 1832
“You cannot fail if you resolutely determine that you will not.”
— Letter to George C. Latham, July 22, 1860
Lincoln was deeply spiritual, principled yet humble, and open to change. He had the rare strength to apologize when wrong and the vision to see beyond temporary struggles.
He knew that leadership is not about ego but about service, growth, and legacy. As he famously said:
“We cannot escape history.”
— Message to Congress, December 1, 1862
So the next time you’re faced with a difficult choice or feel overwhelmed by emotions, think of Lincoln. Ask yourself: What would a good leader do?
And remember these parting words from the man who led a nation through its darkest hour:
“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.”
— Letter to Isham Reavis, November 5, 1855
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