I Will Study And Prepare

“I will study and prepare” – graphic © eminentlyquotable.com | photo – Wikipedia

“I will study and prepare, and someday my opportunity will come.” – Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865) also known as “Honest Abe,” is considered as one of the greatest United States presidents of all time – and certainly one of the most popular. In his term as the 16th U.S. president, he built the Republican Party into a strong organization, preserved the Union, and worked to bring about the emancipation of slaves.

Lincoln emerged from a humble beginning but strived to make a name for himself, largely through self-education. He led the country through some of its most trying times, including the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. Despite facing many obstacles and setbacks throughout his life, Lincoln was able to rise to the top through his relentless determination. He became a lawyer, a Whig Party leader, and a member of the Illinois House of Representatives before he got elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1846.

Despite his significant contributions to the rapid modernization of the economy, running for office became a challenge because of his unpopular convictions. He was remembered for his powerful oratorical skills which made for a series of highly publicized debates with his rival, Democrat Stephen Douglas. He ultimately lost the U.S. Senate race for the major reason that he spoke against the expansion of slavery.

Eventually, he was elected president in 1860 – much to the chagrin of southern slave states. A year later, a Confederate attack prompted a bloody and costly civil war that lasted for four years. Undaunted, he proved to be a tough military strategist and a strong leader. Four and a half months after the defeat of the Confederacy, he delivered the Gettysburg Address – that he himself carefully crafted. This famous speech remains one of the greatest and most influential statements of national purpose.

Lincoln had very little formal education, but he was a voracious reader and self-taught himself in many areas. He taught himself law and passed the bar exam without attending law school. He also taught himself how to read and write, and was known for his powerful speeches and writing. His speeches were known for their eloquence, simple language and emotional appeal, and they played a key role in his rise to the presidency.

Lincoln held various political positions before becoming president, including serving in the Illinois State legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives. Despite facing many defeats and setbacks, he never gave up on his political aspirations and kept preparing and studying for his opportunity to lead the country.

Moreover, Lincoln’s quote remind us that success is often a marathon, not a sprint. Opportunities may not come right away, and it’s essential to be patient and keep preparing for when they do. It’s not always about being in the right place at the right time, but being ready when the right time comes.

Lincoln was tragically assassinated in 1865 by a political opponent. He is one of the Presidents carved into Mt. Rushmore and his portrait appears on the five dollar bill.

Related quote: “All growth depends upon activity” – John Calvin Coolidge Jr. (1872 – 1933) – 30th President of the United States, from 1923 to 1929.