Lincoln’s Fundamental Principles

Lincoln Reconsidered was written by David Herbert Donald. It is a book of essays on Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln’s perspective of politics was unique, and though he often appeared naive, he was an adroit political thinker. These are his fundamental principles.

1

Rejected tests of doctrinal purity.

2

Faced political reality as it was, not as it could become.

3

Refused to force reality into a formula. Recognized each problem as unique.

4

Willingness to change or adapt with events.

5

Did not make irredeemable promises against the future.

“I think it is enough if the man does no wrong hereafter.”—Abraham Lincoln