Journalism still, in a democracy, is the essential force to get the public educated and mobilized to take action on behalf of our ancient ideals.
Doris Kearns GoodwinRead
Those who knew Lincoln described him as an extraordinarily funny man. Humor was an essential aspect of his temperament. He laughed, he explained, so he did not weep.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Humor served as a coping mechanism for Lincoln, allowing him to stay resilient in difficult times.
This quote reflects the importance of humor in Abraham Lincoln's life, highlighting how it was not just an aspect of his personality but a necessary tool for emotional resilience. Doris Kearns Goodwin emphasizes that Lincoln's ability to laugh helped him maintain his composure and avoid despair, revealing a deeper truth about the role of humor in overcoming adversity.
Themes
HumorLincolnResilienceLaughterCoping
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about the importance of resilience, one might quote Lincoln to highlight how laughter can help overcome challenges.
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Obama does seem to have what both FDR and Lincoln had, which is the recognition that you have to hold back at times and then wait to come forward.
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