Tolstoy went on to observe,"This little incident proves…
““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.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Lincoln's greatness stems from his moral authority and character rather than military or political skill, making him a timeless humanitarian figure.
In simple terms: Lincoln is revered for moral power, not battlefield victories.
Key Takeaway
Focus on moral leadership.
Themes
leadership
morality
heroism
Mood
respectful
inspirational
Type
historical
biographical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- education
- public speaking
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
humanitarianism
character strength
legacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can moral authority influence societies?
- What are limits of moral leadership?
A Different Perspective
His moral impact may be overstated compared to concrete achievements.