{ When Abraham Lincoln was 26 years old in 1835, he wrote…
““{ When Abraham Lincoln was 26 years old in 1835, he wrote a defense of Thomas Paine 's deism; a political associate, Samuel Hill, burned it to save Lincoln 's political career. Historian Roy Basler, the editor of Lincoln 's papers, said Paine had a strong influence on Lincoln 's style: } No other writer of the eighteenth century, with the exception of Jefferson , parallels more closely the temper or gist of Lincoln 's later thought. In style, Paine above all others affords the variety of eloquence which, chastened and adapted to Lincoln 's own mood, is revealed in Lincoln 's formal writings.””
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 political thought was shaped by Paine’s deism and Jefferson’s style, blending eloquence with personal mood.
In simple terms: Paine and Jefferson shaped Lincoln.
Key Takeaway
Study influential thinkers.
Themes
history
politics
philosophy
influence
writing
Mood
analytical
historical
Type
Abraham lincoln:1
Deism:1
Eloquence:1
Influence:1
Jefferson:1
Lincoln:1
Paine:1
Thomas jefferson:0
Thomas-paine:0
Writing:1
Influence Lincoln:0
Paine Deism:0
Lincoln Style:1
Editor Lincoln:0
When to use this quote
- public policy
- historical research
- education
Key Concepts
deism
political philosophy
literary style
Questions to Reflect On
- How did Paine’s deism affect Lincoln’s policies?
- In what ways does Jefferson’s style appear in Lincoln’s speeches?
A Different Perspective
Modern readers may overlook historical context.