2018: Book #26
For 20 years, William Herndon was the law partner of Abraham Lincoln. They were friends for even longer. After Lincoln’s death, Herndon wrote a three volume set called, “Herndon’s Lincoln: The True Story of a Great Life.”
I read volume one a couple months back. This weekend I read volumes two and three.
Here are a few things that struck me from volume three:
- Lincoln is said to have had two traits: truth and candor. That’s leadership.
- Two women come to Lincoln seeking pardons for their husbands who are in prison for avoiding the draft. Lincoln frees the men. One woman drops to her knees and bows to him. He tells her, “Madam, please stand. I’m not God. But you should go home and thank God.” #humility
- Herndon writes that Lincoln had fun leading. According to him, the fun is what helped Lincoln bear the terrible burden of trying to keep America together.
The last 20 pages of volume three can be skipped. Herndon basically transforms Lincoln into a god.
Again, this is an excellent series. If you’re a Lincoln fan, all three volumes are a must read. If you’re a leader, read them and look for the leadership lessons; they’re everywhere.
I give the series 5 out of 5 stars.
That’s book #26 for 2018- halfway there!
26 more books to go to reach 52 by the end of the year.
Remember, all leaders are readers.
If you want to be a better leader…be a reader.
#52in2018
