Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren't very new after all

Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren't very new after all

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was known for his intelligence, wisdom, and eloquence. He was a voracious reader and had a deep appreciation for the power of books. One of his most famous quotes is, “Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren't very new after all.” This quote reflects Lincoln’s belief in the importance of learning from the wisdom of those who came before us.

Lincoln understood that reading books was a way to gain knowledge and insight into the world. By reading the works of others, he was able to expand his own understanding of complex issues and develop his own thoughts and ideas. He recognized that many of the problems and challenges he faced were not unique to him, but had been grappled with by others throughout history. By studying the writings of great thinkers and leaders, Lincoln was able to draw inspiration and guidance for his own decisions and actions.

In his personal library, Lincoln had a wide range of books on subjects such as history, politics, philosophy, and literature. He was particularly fond of Shakespeare and the Bible, which he often quoted in his speeches and writings. Lincoln believed that by immersing himself in the works of these great authors, he could gain a deeper understanding of human nature and the complexities of the world.

Lincoln’s quote also speaks to the idea that originality is not necessarily the most important quality in a leader. Instead, it is the ability to learn from others and build upon their ideas that truly sets a great leader apart. Lincoln’s willingness to listen to the wisdom of others and incorporate it into his own thinking was a key factor in his success as a leader.