Nearly 140 years ago, Abraham Lincoln made his most famous speech. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, only 269 words long, certainly was nothing amazing from a literary standpoint. In fact, it wasn’t even flawless from a grammatical standpoint. Despite these facts, this short speech was perhaps the best speech ever made by any President. It may very well have been the best speech ever made by an American citizen.
What was it that made it so different? What gave it that special something to allow it to last through history and remain one of the most memorable speeches in history?
One of the most interesting attributes to this speech is Lincoln’s humbleness, clearly present throughout. One of the easiest ways to see this is the fact that he never uses the words I, me or myself. In places where any other President would have taken credit for himself, Lincoln gave credit where it was due. In fact, he emphasized the fact that it was not his speech or the action of commemorating the battlefield as a landmark and an official battle cemetary that made it sacred. He was sure to point out that the credit was due to the people who fought the war, and laid down their lives, the ultimate sacrifice, for a just and worthy cause. He also pointed out that as Americans it was their duty to finish what the heroic soldiers from the Battle of Gettysburg had started.
Lincoln also had superb word selection. Although the vocabulary he used was nothing outstanding, the words were somewhat different and very memorable. Who cannot at least recite the first few words from the Gettysburg address? If you cannot, chances are you aren’t, or shouldn’t be, an American.
The address was also very fitting for the time and topic of the event at which he spoke. The address was at the dedication of the national cemetery located on the battlefield in Gettysburg. His humility and somberness, along with his “alter call” urging Americans to keep charging forth for what is righteous.
Also untypical of political speeches to this day. Honest Abe’s brevity was a pleasant change. Although his speech was extremely short, it was well focused and drove his message home. In fact, it was so brief, that the event photographer was unable to get his picture before he was finished and only captured Lincoln’s image as he descended from the speech platform.
If you finish this node taking only one concept with you, let it be the fact that humility speaks louder than pride. Although you may note that prideful people are usually much louder and obnoxious than those that are humble. I am sure you grasp the concept I am trying to convey. Maybe the banal expression we so often hear would fit well here. Less is More.