“Tolstoy went on to observe,"This little incident proves how largely the name of Lincoln is worshipped throughout the world and how legendary his personality has become. Now, why was Lincoln so great that he overshadows all other national heroes? He really was not a great general like Napoleon or Washington; he was not such a skillful statesman as Gladstone or Frederick the Great; but his supremacy expresses itself altogether in his peculiar moral power and in the greatness of his character."Washington was a typical American. Naopoleon was a typical Frenchmen, but Lincoln was a humanitarian as broad as the world. He was bigger than his country--- bigger than all the Presidents t,ogether. We are still too near to his greatness, " Tolstoy concluded, "but after a few centuries more our posterity will find him considerably bigger than we do. His genius is still too strong and too powerful for the common understanding, just as the sun is too hot when it's light beams directly on us.”
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Quote Analysis: Lincoln's Peculiar Moral Power
In this quote, Leo Tolstoy reflects on the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln and ponders on why his greatness transcends that of other national heroes. Tolstoy emphasizes Lincoln's moral power and character as the key factors that set him apart from military leaders like Napoleon or statesmen like Gladstone. He suggests that Lincoln's humanitarianism and moral stature make him a figure larger than his country or even all the Presidents combined. Tolstoy also predicts that as time passes, future generations will come to recognize Lincoln's genius and greatness even more profoundly, comparing his influence to the overwhelming power of the sun's rays.
Modern Relevance
Leo Tolstoy's reflection on Abraham Lincoln's legacy highlights the enduring impact of the 16th President of the United States. Despite not fitting the traditional mold of a great leader, Lincoln's moral strength and character set him apart. His ability to inspire and unite a nation during a time of immense division continues to resonate today, serving as a reminder of the power of leadership based on principles and humanity rather than force or cunning.
Examples of Usage
In her book, Doris Kearns Goodwin recounts a passage where Leo Tolstoy reflects on the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln and his unique moral power. Tolstoy compares Lincoln to other historical figures like Napoleon, Washington, Gladstone, and Frederick the Great, emphasizing Lincoln's humanitarianism and moral greatness.
Reflection Questions:
After reading the quote by Leo Tolstoy about Abraham Lincoln's enduring greatness, take a moment to reflect on the following questions:
- What do you think Tolstoy meant by stating that Lincoln's supremacy was not in his military or political accomplishments, but in his moral power and character?
- Do you agree with Tolstoy's assertion that Lincoln's humanitarianism made him stand out as a leader on a global scale?
- In your opinion, what qualities or actions of Lincoln do you think contributed to his lasting legacy and continued admiration from people around the world?
- How do you think Lincoln's influence and impact compare to other historical figures such as Napoleon, Washington, Gladstone, and Frederick the Great?
- Reflecting on Tolstoy's statement about Lincoln's genius being "too strong and too powerful for the common understanding," do you believe that time has further elevated Lincoln's stature as a historical figure?
- In what ways, if any, do you think Lincoln's example can continue to inspire and guide individuals in contemporary society?
Similar quotes
“Washington was a typical American. Napoleon was a typical Frenchman, but Lincoln was a humanitarian as broad as the world. He was bigger than his country - bigger than all the Presidents together.We are still too near to his greatness,' (Leo) Tolstoy (in 1908) concluded, 'but after a few centuries more our posterity will find him considerably bigger than we do. His genius is still too strong and powerful for the common understanding, just as the sun is too hot when its light beams directly on us.' (748)”
“And Lincoln, as would be evidenced throughout his presidency, was a master of timing.”
“Elizabeth Blair of brother Frank: he could “not let even a great man set his small dogs on him without kicking the dog & giving his master some share of the resentment.”
“(from John Hay's diary) “The President never appeared to better advantage in the world,” Hay proudly noted in his diary. “Though He knows how immense is the danger to himself from the unreasoning anger of that committee, he never cringed to them for an instant. He stood where he thought he was right and crushed them with his candid logic.”
“Lincoln's ability to retain his emotional balance in such difficult situations was rooted in actute self-awareness and an enormous capacity to dispel anxiety in constructive ways.”
“One-time rival and subsequent usurper Secretary of State Seward finally settled into an assessment of Lincoln that, "His confidence and compassion increase every day.”