Lincoln's theology, according to biographer
James G. Randall, resembled Unitarianism. He felt that all
human kind would go to heaven and no one would go to hell.
few people who strongly or directly influenced Lincoln's moral and intellectual development and
perspectives. There was no teacher, mentor, church leader, community leader, or peer referenced by
Lincoln as a singular influence on his intellectual development. Lincoln's personal philosophy was
shaped, not by a formal education, but by "an amazingly retentive memory and a passion for reading and
learning." It was Lincoln's reading, rather than his relationships, that were most influential in shaping his
personal belief
Abraham Lincoln’s letter to his son’s Head Master
Respected Teacher,
My son will have to learn I know that all men are not just, all men are not true. But teach
him also that for ever scoundrel there is a hero; that for every selfish politician, there is a
dedicated leader. Teach him that for every enemy there is a friend.
It will take time, I know; but teach him, if you can, that a dollar earned is far more valuable
than five found.
Teach him to learn to lose and also to enjoy winning.
Steer him away from envy, if you can.
Teach him the secret of quite laughter. Let him learn early that the bullies are the easiest to
tick.
Teach him, if you can, the wonder of books.. but also give him quiet time to ponder over
the eternal mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and flowers on a green hill –side.
In school teach him it is far more honourable to fail than to cheat.
Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if every one tells him they are wrong.
Teach him to be gentle with gentle people and tough with the tough.
Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when every one is getting on the
bandwagon.
Teach him to listen to all men but teach him also to filter all he hears on a screen of truth
and take only the good that comes through.
Teach him, if you can, how to laugh when he is sad. Teach him there is no shame in tears.
Teach him to scoff at cynics and to beware of too much sweetness.
Teach him to sell his brawn and brain to the highest bidders; but never to put a price tag on
his heart and soul.
Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob… and to stand and fight if he thinks he’s right.
Treat him gently; but do not cuddle him because only the test of fire makes fine steel.
Let him have the courage to be impatient, let him have the patience to be brave. Teach him
always to have sublime faith in himself because then he will always have sublime faith in
mankind.
This is a big order; but see what you can do. He is such a fine little fellow, my son.
Abraham Lincoln.
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Lincoln clearly stated 10 political beliefs that we, in my judgment, would do well to adopt today. Here they are:
…You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
…You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
…You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.
…You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
…You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.
…You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.
…You cannot further brotherhood of men by inciting class hatred.
…You cannot establish sound security on borrowed money.
…You cannot build character and courage by taking away a man’s initiative.
…You cannot really help men by having the government tax them to do for them
what they can and should do for themselves.
- Abraham Lincoln
