When Words Speak Louder than Actions...
While reading A Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin and pondering a quote comparing President George Washington and President Abraham Lincoln, "Washington is the great man of the era of the Revolution. So will Lincoln be of this (2nd Inaugural Address, March 4th 1865), but Lincoln will reach the higher position in history," it occurred to me that sometimes Words speak louder than Actions.
My understanding of Washington is limited to formative education, the "Cherry Tree Story," and "Crossing the Delaware," and a trip to Mount Vernon as an adult. I understand he was a brilliant man, an avid agricultural experimenter, and a great leader. But, my understanding of him, as a person, is very much two-dimensional.
Lincoln, on the other hand, is a very different story. Three dimensions are not enough. A voracious reader, prolific writer, lover of poetry, second only to Winston Churchill for legendary quotations, it was his words that color my understanding of him.
Of course, his actions speak for themselves and there are countless volumes written about what he has done. Yet, when I think of Lincoln it is his words. He may have been known as the "Rail-splitter," but his real gift was in dividing words and delivering ideas.
"Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?" - Abraham Lincoln.
I have always wanted to go back in time and meet the giants of history we revere. I am sure, given the opportunity to visit George Washington, it would be a memorable occasion. I am sure we would share a cup of tea, have cordial discourse regarding the annual planting and perhaps our new nation, and I would most certainly take a peek at Martha's embroidery. All very well and proper.
Yet, should I travel to visit Lincoln, I see us sitting by the fire, our feet propped up on a table, swapping stories, laughing uncontrollably. I would cherish the twinkle in his eye as he delivered a punch line and memorize his magnanimous countenance. Our parting handshake would be vigorous and an invitation to revisit, a given.
"Actions" may speak for themselves, but once retired to the annals of history, it is "Words" that define us. And while sometimes history is recorded to serve the agendas of those less honorable than Honest Abe, making it a tricky business to qualify what really happened, in the end, all we can do is, "Speak Now or Forever Hold Our Peace!"
My understanding of Washington is limited to formative education, the "Cherry Tree Story," and "Crossing the Delaware," and a trip to Mount Vernon as an adult. I understand he was a brilliant man, an avid agricultural experimenter, and a great leader. But, my understanding of him, as a person, is very much two-dimensional.
Lincoln, on the other hand, is a very different story. Three dimensions are not enough. A voracious reader, prolific writer, lover of poetry, second only to Winston Churchill for legendary quotations, it was his words that color my understanding of him.
Of course, his actions speak for themselves and there are countless volumes written about what he has done. Yet, when I think of Lincoln it is his words. He may have been known as the "Rail-splitter," but his real gift was in dividing words and delivering ideas.
"Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?" - Abraham Lincoln.
I have always wanted to go back in time and meet the giants of history we revere. I am sure, given the opportunity to visit George Washington, it would be a memorable occasion. I am sure we would share a cup of tea, have cordial discourse regarding the annual planting and perhaps our new nation, and I would most certainly take a peek at Martha's embroidery. All very well and proper.
Yet, should I travel to visit Lincoln, I see us sitting by the fire, our feet propped up on a table, swapping stories, laughing uncontrollably. I would cherish the twinkle in his eye as he delivered a punch line and memorize his magnanimous countenance. Our parting handshake would be vigorous and an invitation to revisit, a given.
"Actions" may speak for themselves, but once retired to the annals of history, it is "Words" that define us. And while sometimes history is recorded to serve the agendas of those less honorable than Honest Abe, making it a tricky business to qualify what really happened, in the end, all we can do is, "Speak Now or Forever Hold Our Peace!"
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