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The Words Lincoln Lived By: 52 Timeless Principles to Light Your Path

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There have been a small number of books published which attempt to collect in dictionary form the more noted words and remarks of Abraham Lincoln. Archer H. Shaw did "The Lincoln Encyclopedia" in 1950; Caroline Thomas Harnsberger collected "The Lincoln Treasury" in 1950; Ralph B. Winn wrote "A Concise Lincoln Dictionary" in 1959; Fred A. Kerner assembled "A Treasury of Lincoln Quotations" in 1965, reprinted in 1996; and Gabor S. Boritt published "Of the People, By the People, For the People" in 1996.

All of those volumes are most helpful in locating a Lincoln quotation, and Don E. and Virginia Fehrenbacher have compiled "The Recollected Words of Abraham Lincoln" (1996). Of course, this latter study selects the more important spoken words of Lincoln as recalled by listeners who heard them.

However, Gene Griessman has put together an entirely different publication. Although it often quotes Lincoln, the theme is actually to inspire and motivate its readers to make an attempt to imitate the immortal Sixteenth President. In this, Prof. Griessman has done a superb job. His book is outstanding. Furthermore, he has identified the sources for the quotes utilized in each small chapter. All fifty-two units are named after one of Lincoln's noteworthy traits, such as "Determination," "Courage," "Honesty," etc. Not only does Griessman give us Lincoln quotes, but he also weaves each one into a little jewel of an essay on that particular subject. If a reader peruses a chapter a week, he or she will have a year's worth of inspiration.

In addition, this small volume contains "Biographical Notes" on the main figures cited and also a Bibliography of the sources quoted. Dr. Griessman has utilized his background in speaking and teaching the fine art of motivation to write this particular book. He also impersonates Abraham Lincoln for large audiences and has authored numerous books and articles.

Wayne C. Temple, Illinois State Archives

"A clear and incisive study." --- John Sellers, TheLincoln Curator, U.S. Library of Congress.

"Marvelous. 'TheWords Lincoln Lived By' captures so many truths, which speak to us and to future generations." --- Terry Paulson, President, the National Speaker's Association.

"Lincoln's thoughts on just about anything are compelling, and here, they are artfully broken down into various categories, each brief and brisk. 'The Words Lincoln Lived By' makes the quality of his greatness accessible to a wide variety of readers." --- Steve Forbes, Editor- in-Chief, 'Forbes' magazine.

"Dr. Gene Griessman has written a work that beautifully captures the essence of our sixteenth president. Using Lincoln's own words, the author has skillfully crafted a memorial to Lincoln - not one of cold granite or marble, but rather a living, breathing testament. Readers will be inspired by the great wisdom that springs from the pages of this book." --- Kim Bauer, Co-editor, 'Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association'.

"I love it. A must-read for any serious legal professional." --- John Patrick Dolan, author of 'Negotiate Like the Pros'.

"Griessman has captured the heart and mind of the man who changed America for 'good'. You, too, will be changed as you experience Lincoln up close and personal." --- Glenna Salsbury, author of 'The Art of the Fresh Start'.

"Griessman performs a valuable service in reminding us that Lincoln eloquently championed not only the causes of democracy, freedom, and Union, but also the virtues of self-reliance, industry, ambition, and self-improvement. These are powerful assets for anybody in the race of life." --- Michael Burlingame, author of 'The Inner World of Abraham Lincoln'.

"Lincoln's words remind us of the values that made America great and that we need now more than ever. His wisdom shines through on every page. This is a book to cherish and share." --- Bill Marriott, CEO, Marriott International, Inc.

"An inventive and original compilation - skillfully relating Lincoln's words to the values that give meaning to our lives. Readers will rediscover Lincoln on these pages and appreciate anew his timeless wisdom." --- Harold Holzer, Co-editor, 'Lincoln on Democracy'.

"Griessman has done a masterful service in rendering Lincoln's colossal wisdom of leadership to contemporary leaders and managers. It's uncanny: everything written about leadership today - that is, anything that's significant - was spoken or written by Lincoln at least 130 years ago. And Griessman illuminates Lincoln's brilliance to all of us." --- Warren Bennis, Distinguished Professor of Business Administration, University of Southern California and author of 'Organizing Genius: The Secrets of Creative Collaboration'.

Heard the taped version of Gene Griessman's THE WORDS
LINCOLN LIVED BY . . . this is a short but moving
compilation of quotations, followed by insightful commentary
that provides historical context.

In some respects, I wish I had read this . . . there was
much that I wish I could have revisited . . . as it was, I
kept pulling off the side of the road to jot down such
items as the following (so as to be able to share it):

[on diligence] "Half finished work generally proves to be
work lost." No other principle comes closer to accounting
for success than diligence.

[on tenacity] "I expect to maintain this contest until
successful or until I die or am conquered or until my term
expires or until Congress or the country removes me." Lincoln
believed that sticking to a decision once made would
strengthen the individual.

[on conviction] "The world shall know that I will keep my
word to friends and enemies come what will."

[on friendship] "The better part of one's life comes out of
friendships." Lincoln knew how to make and keep them.
He enjoyed companionship and knew how to attract
people.

It's clear to the readers of this book that Lincolns difficult time in his early years provided him with his remarkable attitude to forge the ideas in this book. His thinking is clear and relevant and timely. It is helpful for the reader to keep in mind Lincoln probably refered to these pages many times throughout his life to remind himself of the correct choices to make. I think this book belongs in everyones library!

Although it often quotes Lincoln, the theme is actually to inspire and motivate its readers to make an attempt to imitate the immortal Sixteenth President. In this, Prof. Griessman has done a superb job. His book is outstanding. Furthermore, he has identified the sources for the quotes utilized in each small chapter. All fifty-two units are named after one of Lincoln's noteworthy traits, such as "Determination," "Courage," "Honesty," etc. Not only does Griessman give us Lincoln quotes, but he also weaves each one into a little jewel of an essay on that particular subject. If a reader peruses a chapter a week, he or she will have a year's worth of inspiration.

In addition, this small volume contains "Biographical Notes" on the main figures cited and also a Bibliography of the sources quoted. Dr. Griessman has utilized his background in speaking and teaching the fine art of motivation to write this particular book. He also impersonates Abraham Lincoln for large audiences and has authored numerous books and articles.

In this entire treatise, this reviewer noted only one very minor error. On page 128, it is set down that Thomas Lincoln was born in either 1776 or 1778. There certainly is no doubt about the date of Thomas's natal day. Abraham Lincoln wrote down in his Father's own Bible the statement that Thomas was born January 6, 1778. (See Basler, Ed., "The Collected Works", II, 94. This fact is most difficult to discover since the index to "The Collected Works" does not carry this reference under the title "Bibles.")

Wayne C. Temple, Illinois State Archives

I purchased this book at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. and have relished the quotes and tidbits from Lincoln's life. Lincoln's attitude on everything from the importance of study, communication, focus, diligence, hard work, compassion, & justice ought to be read, remembered, and practiced. I marked many of the pages from this book and will refer to it frequently!

I've studied Lincoln for nearly twenty years now. This tape/book is one of the best I've read/listened to. It touches on many topics, like Courage, Ethics, Brevity, Honesty and many more. I think it should be required reading in high school. The study of Lincoln should be required before anyone can become a politician or public servant of any kind.

Absolutely awesome! Inspirational and even life-changing for leaders or for general living. An in-depth exploration of Lincoln's character, spiritual beliefs, lifetime motivations, secrets of outstanding oration, secrets of overcoming serious political, psychological and cultural obstacles to achieve his goals and quotable sayings to live by. He possessed an intensity and focus for achievement unmatched by all but two or three of our other presidents. Lincoln, beginning with only one year of formal schooling, systematically educated himself to overcome personal depression, to become a successful lawyer, to defeat the top orator of his day to become president, to acquire enough military strategy to win the Civil War, to gain enough public support to abolish slavery and to inspire his countryman sufficiently to bring about the rebirth of the American Nation.

My favorite example is his view of oration. Lincoln said that the most effective speach must contain four elements. It must be delivered with abundant fervor, intense enthusiasm, precise logic and empathetic wit. The speaker must make his delivery not in a cut-and-dried way, but as if he is fighting bees, with logic set on fire.

A quick, delightful, insightful read, easy to quote and dramatic enough to leave a lasting impression. I highly recommend it.