Thoughts on reading A Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin by Rebecca Moll
The Value of Pause...
It seems the lessons of history are forever the lessons of today.
During the Civil War and after the success at Gettysburg, President Lincoln was again surprised by his own General who failed to attack and obtain control of retreating Confederate armies. After the Peninsula Campaign and Chancellorsville, this was the third time the Union army had failed to act, thereby, in Lincoln's opinion prolonging the war.
In The Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin tells us Lincoln wrote a frank letter to General Meade after Gettysburg, expressing his gratitude for "the magnificent success" and his immeasurable distress at Lee's escape. "He was within your easy grasp..." "As it is the war will be prolonged indefinitely." "However, Lincoln held back, as he often did when he was upset or angry, waiting for his emotions to settle. In the end he placed a letter in an envelope inscribed, "To Gen. Meade, never sent, or signed."" (Kearns Goodwin 536).
Although, in 1863, an envelope and stamp and a much longer delivery time was required than today's texting and emailing, the consequences are still the same. Once sent, the damage is done. Over 150 years later, the value of pause is still measurable, the benefit of reconsideration still justifiable.
Easier said than done, especially, if you speak faster you think. 🤐
It seems the lessons of history are forever the lessons of today.
During the Civil War and after the success at Gettysburg, President Lincoln was again surprised by his own General who failed to attack and obtain control of retreating Confederate armies. After the Peninsula Campaign and Chancellorsville, this was the third time the Union army had failed to act, thereby, in Lincoln's opinion prolonging the war.
In The Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin tells us Lincoln wrote a frank letter to General Meade after Gettysburg, expressing his gratitude for "the magnificent success" and his immeasurable distress at Lee's escape. "He was within your easy grasp..." "As it is the war will be prolonged indefinitely." "However, Lincoln held back, as he often did when he was upset or angry, waiting for his emotions to settle. In the end he placed a letter in an envelope inscribed, "To Gen. Meade, never sent, or signed."" (Kearns Goodwin 536).
Although, in 1863, an envelope and stamp and a much longer delivery time was required than today's texting and emailing, the consequences are still the same. Once sent, the damage is done. Over 150 years later, the value of pause is still measurable, the benefit of reconsideration still justifiable.
Easier said than done, especially, if you speak faster you think. 🤐
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