Learning From Lincoln

Few people have the tact that President Lincoln had when dealing with a situation that tempts one to use harsh measures.

When the darkest clouds of the Civil War were hovering over the Capitol, many things done by the generals were not approved by either Lincoln or Secretary of War Stanton. Lincoln would take a long time to ponder over new situations, but Stanton would at times lose his temper and explode.

One day, Stanton came to see Lincoln about the doings of a certain general. Listening quietly, Lincoln let Stanton show his anger, and when the latter exclaimed, "I would like to write him a letter and tell him what I think of him!" Lincoln remarked quietly, "Well, why not do so? Sit down and write him a letter, saying all that you have said to me."

Stanton was surprised, for he thought that President Lincoln would object to this. He declared that he would take the president at his word.

Two days later, he brought Lincoln the letter he had written and read it to him. When Stanton had finished, Lincoln smiled and remarked, "That is all right. You have said all you told me you would. Now, what are you going to do with this letter?"

"Why, I am going to send it to him, of course."

"I wouldn't," replied the president quickly. "Throw it in the wastebasket."

"What, after spending two days on it?" exclaimed Stanton.

"Yes, it took you two days to write it, and it did you a lot of good. You feel a great deal better now, and that is all that is necessary."

The letter went into the wastebasket, and Stanton learned an important lesson.

What do you think was the "important lesson" learned from the president? Could it be that he learned the following:

1. Don't react in anger.

2. You don't have to say everything you think.

3. You sometimes can wisely leave well enough alone.

4. Seeking confidential counsel can keep you from making a misstep.

5. Harshness is not a good approach.

6. Kindness seasoned with mercy is always in order.

7. A wrong response to someone else's wrongdoing can make a bad situation even worse.

—Adapted from Capitol Voice