I recently saw a book for sale that got me thinking. No, I didn’t buy it; I’ve already read every word of it. In fact, I’ve spend hours poring over them. And I hope that everyone will. I think that everything in the book should be read—even studied carefully—by all Americans.
At the same time, the contents of this book really bothered me. More specifically, it was the combination of contents that concerned me. It makes a difference how things are put together. Three foods I love are: chocolate ice cream, mushrooms and mandarin oranges. Separately they’re delicious, but I certainly wouldn’t want to eat them all together!
But it wasn’t a disgusting cookbook I saw for sale. It was a lovely, little hardbound cloth-covered book entitled, The Inaugural Address, 2009. It was not a surprise that such a book would be published commemorating the historic day that our nation welcomed our first African American President. What was surprising was the rest of the title. It wasn’t just The Inaugural Address. Instead the title continued . . . The Inaugural Address, 2009: Together with Abraham Lincoln's First and Second Inaugural Addresses and The Gettysburg Address and Ralph Waldo Emerson's Self-Reliance.
Why was this surprising? I think that all of these works are worthy of our time and study. But I’m not sure that Barack Obama has met the test of greatness that Lincoln and Emerson have surely passed. And I’m not sure that his inaugural address can be considered a classic like Lincoln’s and Emerson’s writing.
Let’s try not to let our political views cloud the issue. If you’re a fan of Obama’s you may be tempted to say, “Sure he’s great! He’s going to change our nation for the better.” And I sincerely hope that’s true, but it has yet to be seen.
If you didn’t vote for President Obama, you may be likely to say, “How dare they compare him to Lincoln!” But imagine for a moment that your ideal candidate has just been elected President and taken his inaugural oath. He may be perfect in your eyes, but he has yet to prove himself. Who knows what will happen over the next four years?
Does something need to stand the test of time before we can categorize it as great?
Do we need to see accomplishments of a leader before we call him or her outstanding?
How do we compare a few years of service with a lifetime of service or with the sacrifice of giving your life in the service of your country?
My favorite definition of greatness is: “Everyone has the power for greatness-- not for fame, but greatness, because greatness is determined by service.” This quotation is by Martin Luther King Jr., a man whom I believe fell short of his personal potential for greatness. Nevertheless, I believe he was a great leader and I think that his definition of greatness is spot on; greatness is determined by service!
We may not be able to judge the heart or motives of another, but we can look at their life and see at least some of the service that they have rendered. Of course, many of the greatest gifts of service are given anonymously. But even the most humble servant leaves a trail behind him. No one can live a life of service without leaving some evidence that can be uncovered with a bit effort.
Over the years many polls and surveys have been done and the President most frequently rated as “the greatest” is Abraham Lincoln. Although he wasn’t perfect, he served our country and sustained us during a great crisis. He worked tirelessly to hold our country together, he freed us from the horrors of slavery and ultimately he gave his life while serving as President.
Besides his actions, Lincoln’s writing testifies of his greatness. His Gettysburg Address is one of the most often read, quoted and memorized documents in American History. But when Lincoln gave his speech it was not universally hailed as a great speech. Now, after nearly 150 years, we have come to appreciate the greatness that is contained in less than 300 words.
Ralph Waldo Emerson was a contemporary of Lincoln’s. During his lifetime, he gave more than 1,500 public lectures. For more than 25 years of his life he traveled the country lecturing for 4-6 months of each year. He was quite popular at the time and became a famous speaker. But it is not his popularity that made him great. His influence is enduring because of the essays he published. These have been in print for over 150 years and have been read by millions around the world.
The writings of both Lincoln and Emerson have stood the test of time. They have been read and studied repeatedly by countless individuals. I believe their writing is classic in the truest sense. Mark Twain once said that classic is “a book which people praise and don’t read.”
So I am pleased to see the works of Lincoln and Emerson for sale at Costco. Hopefully this is a sign that people are actually reading these classics! Likewise, I hope that each of us will take the time to read and study President Obama’s Inaugural Address. See what you find in his words and then wait and watch and see what you find in his life and his actions.
The best news of all is that you don’t have to buy anything. All of this is available for free online.
Here are links to:
Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address
8 comments:
I agree! Every President is judged differently as the years go by, whether or not they were popular during their time in the white house or not. I think it must be a great boost to President Obama to know he is loved, but since that popularity is so fickle, I hope that the substance of his leadership kicks in and he can accomplish the great works that the hopeful people are waiting for. It seems like a high expectation.
Great post, Melanie. It has really been bugging me how everyone keeps trying to compare Obama with Lincoln just because they both came out of Illinois and because there are racial issues associated with both of them. He's going to need more than a well-executed campaign and some "cool" friends to prove his greatness/worthiness to be compared to Lincoln for me. Hopefully, he proves himself for our nation's sake.
As a fan of Obama's, let me be the first to say what a weird combo of writings to be bound together! Ok, on one hand I get the Lincoln thing: both "from" Illinois and the comparisons have been far and numerous. But Emerson? That seems like a random, "Eh, let's throw this on, too. People may need to read it.".
I agree that it takes time to see if someone will be hailed as amazing! I feel like that American people are in such a sense of dispair that the idea of drastic change (such as an African American Pres.) fills them with such hope that they project those feelings into greatness for this man. I did not vote for Obama, but I do believe that he has a good heart and the potential to do some great things for this counrty. However, you are right that we need to wait and see if he follows through with his potential and the things he has said. Also, Pres Obama's speach was not all written by him alone. He had advisors and editors that helped make his words seem more prolific and special. I think that needs to be kept in mind.
I believe that action speaks louder than words. I believe if Obama wants to acheive the greatness of Linclon and Emerson, he must put his words into action. He must show us by word and deed where his greatness lies.
He has the potential, the question is will he follow through?????
This is awesome! And you are right!
The writings of Lincoln and Emerson were their own, without the help of speech writers.
Melanie:
When I first saw this little blue book for sale at Costco, I too was disturbed about the way he associated himself with greatness before that status has occurred, been recognized, tested, and withstood the longer test of time. I was pleased to recognize an exciting, wonderful gift you have of writing with such clarity, logic, and wisdom. I encourage you to share this talent by publishing so that more of us can benefit from your gift.
Look at today's Luann Comic Strip for 4/08/2009. Google it. Even Luann and some of her friends get it.
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