Abraham Lincoln’s ability to unite people around a cause is legendary and the focus of this story in Light from Many Lamps (Watson, 1951) is one more example. Lincoln’s second inauguration speech is remembered most for the first phrase of the closing paragraph. “With malice toward none; with charity for all” (Watson, 1951, p. 205) is the summary of the outcome Lincoln was hoping to express in this speech. As expressed by Elihu Root, “It is a living principle of action” (Watson, 1951, p. 206).
As I reflected on this story and the content of Lincoln’s speech, I couldn’t help but think about the current state of the presidency south of the border. While Lincoln is affirmed to be a man who “never willingly planted a thorn in any man’s bosom” (Watson, 1951, p. 206) the same cannot be said for today’s president.
The focus of my reflection is not political but instead an appreciation of Lincoln’s ability to bring unity to a divided country with the clear contrast of the division we see today in the United States.
Lincoln’s desire for the entire country to live with malice toward none, charity for all begins with him as a leader of impeccable character and personal resolve. Time and again Lincoln shows evidence of the four transformational leadership factors (Northouse, 2018) as developed by Bass (1985, as cited in Northouse, 2016) – idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration (Northouse, 2018, p. 169-171).
Personally, Lincoln has been a significant leadership influence for me and I had the opportunity in 2016 to visit the Lincoln Memorial as part of a quick visit to Washington, DC. To see the words of this speech engraved on the wall of the memorial (photo below) was a reminder to me of the impact of having malice toward none, charity for all in my own leadership.
There are times when I will disagree with someone but as soon as malice toward them starts to happen inside of me I’ve gone beyond the boundaries of what is acceptable as a leader. In fact, the words of Jesus remind me that “Anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell” (Matthew 5:22, New International Version). Extreme, perhaps, but it gets to the heart of the matter that our thinking toward those around us begins to influence our behaviour toward them as well.
At the same time, as a leader I have the opportunity and privilege of showing charity to those around me. Believing the best about people and the decisions they make do not come naturally but this speech of Lincoln’s is a good reminder of the power of a leader’s willingness to show charity to all.
Question
What are some specific habits you pursue in your life to keep malice subdued and to increase charity toward others?
Reference
Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice, Eighth Edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Watson, L.E. (1951). Light from Many Lamps. New York: Simon and Schuster.