Historian Ron C. White discusses how Lincoln bridged differences during the Civil War. They explore moral disagreements, handling anger, and Lincoln's ability to write powerful speeches with minimal education. The chapter also covers authenticity in communication, Lincoln's vision for peace, bridging divides, and personal perspectives on pro-life vs. pro-choice. They reflect on balancing curiosity and passion while maintaining moral convictions.
Humility is vital in bridging divides and acknowledging something larger than oneself.
A lack of humility can damage relationships by employing confrontational tactics.
Abraham Lincoln embodied humility, admitting failures and engaging in open conversations to understand opposing arguments.
Deep dives
Humility as a Key to Navigating Differences
Humility is highlighted as a crucial virtue in bridging divides, emphasizing the importance of realizing there's something larger than oneself.
The Potential Harm of a Lack of Humility
A lack of humility can lead to damaging relationships, as demonstrated by personal experiences of using confrontational tactics in shutting down others.
Exploring Lincoln as a Model of Leadership
Abraham Lincoln is presented as an exemplar of a leader who embodied humility, combining ambition with the willingness to admit failures and engage in open conversations.
Lincoln's Approach to Disagreement and Reflection
Lincoln was known for reflecting and engaging in intellectual curiosity, carefully considering the arguments from opposing sides and seeking understanding before responding.
The Importance of Balancing Passion and Curiosity
The challenge lies in finding a balance between expressing passion for one's beliefs and maintaining a curious mindset to engage in respectful conversations.
Mónica talks to historian Ron C. White to find out how our nation’s most renowned bridge builder disagreed fully and freely with those around him while leading the nation through the Civil War. Taking a closer look at private notes Lincoln wrote to himself, the two explore everything from how to approach deep moral disagreements to what to do with your anger with the injustice you see.
*** A Braver Way is produced with financial support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and Reclaim Curiosity.