The Words Lincoln Lived By: 52 Timeless Principles to Light Your Path

by Gene Griessman

A Lincoln scholar and performer brings the warmth, wisdom, and humor of our sixteenth president alive in a collection of inspiring quotations on achievement, responsibility, simplicity, and other timeless values that form the foundation of a meaningful life.

The Words Lincoln Lived By is a stirring, inspirational treasury of quotations from our greatest and most admired president. Composed of Lincoln’s profound observations—one for every week of the year, each followed by a short commentary that provides historical context—the book offers rich material for interpretation, reflection, and spiritual guidance. In these pages, Lincoln, famed as an orator, shares his wisdom on courage and determination, compassion and compromise, tolerance and tact—the essential traits that define character. The timeless impact of his words is as powerful as the achievements that have helped to make him an American hero.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Philosophy, Self Help

145 pages, Paperback

First published February 12, 1998

Reviews

[Nat Harward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great survey and highlights from an important man who humbly went about doing as much good as he could.

[Audra Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection. I was anxious to read the whole thing, but next time I’m going to use it as a weekly study...52 lessons 👍🏻 perfect.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words to live by says it all.

[Popeyes Will Bless Yo Soul! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timeless...the word itself says it all. Not only did it grab my attention, but once it was applied upon this valuable source of knowledge, everything within it became meaningful. Lincoln, also known as Honest Abe, was a man full of wisdom, courage, determination, and the list goes on. Such a way does he leave the reader with an astonishing variety of quotes, each differenciating with a message to reflect on.

Throughout my time reading this book, I'd tend to ponder on why Lincoln chose such words to explain a topic essential to our life. An example would be that, in one of the many principles of Lincoln, Lincoln expresses that humor is the best thing the universe could ever offer; hence and I quote, " Humor [is] the joyous, beautiful, universal evergreen of life."

Moreover, the best feature from this book is in the way it is written and structured. It has 52 principles, one for every week of the year. Due to the amount of time we have for one principle, we should take time to reflect and see how we can apply it to our lives.

Nonetheless, this isn't a book that you'll read once or twice, but rather a resourceful guide for path the of life that we are currently on. Therefore, Lincoln's principles are meant to be a challenge to those who are overcoming their bad habits or want to better themselves. Again, such a marvelous book that I would recommend it to anyone who wants to lighten their path.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gene Griessman captures the wit and wisdom of America's greatest president. I read this book over the course of a year, covering one segment a week. Each section, with a length of 1-2 pages, examines a virtue Lincoln lived by. Expect to find quotes regarding courage, morality, humor, charity, and all the other wonderful attributes that made Abraham Lincoln the greatest man ever to hold America's highest office. "The Words Lincoln Lived By" combines historical facts with personal details in order to give the reader a human perspective on a legendary figure.

[Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gene Griessman is a motivational speaker and literally becomes Abraham Lincoln in his work. Gene literally wraps himself in the essence of Lincoln. This short book is filled with Lincoln's philosophy and how to live life. Filled with his core wisdom. I am humbled to be a friend of Gene Griessman. Gene over time has literally become a national treasure.

[Sharon Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

The little book is divided into 52 very small chapters (1-2 pages each) so that one can read one each week of the year. However, it can be read quickly, as I did. This is an excellent book to use with young adults to teach moral principles. It is also an excellent reference book. History of Lincoln's time rolled into the discussion in each chapter.

[Dara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Whenever someone would ask what famous person would you want to have dinner with, I really couldn't come up with a good answer. Now I can - Abraham Lincoln. By focusing on a quality and one of Lincoln's quotes related to it, Gene was able to share a piece of history about Lincoln. The book makes me want to read more about Lincoln.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In between giant books about Lincoln's life and covering dissections of his famous speeches (the world needs more books like these! - oh, there aren't enough great speeches), I required something of a smaller dose on Honest Abe to digest in full. This one fit the bill perfectly, accepted in small bites, but nevertheless offered quite a full view of the man and his philosophies. Good primer.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. It brings history and the struggles in Lincoln's life to the forefront while demonstrating his gifted leadership.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book at the Ford's Theater museum the night after I'd seen the movie, "Lincoln." It's a nice way to extend the power of seeing the movie.

[Amanda Yamate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent way to get one's "Lincoln Fix." It is inspirational and educational. It's also a "quick read." I highly recommend it for fans of history and self-help texts.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chock full of sound advice, quotes to ponder and insights to chisel away unwanted parts of ourselves. A time of self-reflection and contemplation on how to forge positive, healthy relationships.