Nearly all the best things that came to me in life have been unexpected, unplanned by me

Nearly all the best things that came to me in life have been unexpected, unplanned by me

Carl Sandburg, a renowned American poet and writer, once said, “Nearly all the best things that came to me in life have been unexpected, unplanned by me.” This quote encapsulates the essence of Sandburg’s life and work, as he was a man who embraced the unexpected and found beauty in the unplanned moments of life.

Sandburg’s career as a poet and writer was marked by a series of unexpected twists and turns. Born in Galesburg, Illinois in 1878, Sandburg began his career as a journalist, working for newspapers in Chicago and Milwaukee. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for writing poetry, and he began to publish his work in literary magazines and newspapers.

One of the best things that came to Sandburg in life was his success as a poet. Despite facing numerous rejections and setbacks early in his career, Sandburg persevered and continued to write, eventually gaining recognition for his unique style and powerful imagery. His poems, which often celebrated the beauty of the American landscape and the struggles of the working class, resonated with readers and critics alike, earning him a Pulitzer Prize in 1951.

Another unexpected blessing in Sandburg’s life was his friendship with President Abraham Lincoln. Sandburg’s fascination with Lincoln began at a young age, and he spent years researching and writing about the 16th president. In 1926, Sandburg published a monumental biography of Lincoln, which cemented his reputation as a leading authority on the subject. This unexpected connection to Lincoln not only shaped Sandburg’s career, but also deepened his understanding of American history and politics.