Abraham Lincoln Character Analysis in How to Win Friends and Influence People

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States, serving from 1861 to 1865, known especially for his leadership during the American Civil War. Carnegie is deeply interested in Lincoln, considering him one of the greatest leaders of all time. He even wrote a biography of the president, and many case studies in the book are taken from Lincoln’s life. Carnegie describes how as a young lawyer, Lincoln openly attacked his opponents in letters published in a newspaper, which almost led Lincoln to fight in a duel. Afterwards, Lincoln realized how unproductive this criticism was, and he never wrote an insulting letter or publicly ridiculed anyone ever again. He acknowledged one of Carnegie’s major principles—that criticism is often futile. Lincoln often stated that “a drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of gall,” suggesting positive appreciation is more useful in an argument than antagonism.

Abraham Lincoln Character Timeline in How to Win Friends and Influence People

The timeline below shows where the character Abraham Lincoln appears in How to Win Friends and Influence People. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...to justify themselves and blame the criticizer in return. This is a lesson that Abraham Lincoln—widely considered one of the greatest leaders of all time—learned as well. As a young lawyer,... (full context)

This incident taught Lincoln a valuable lesson in dealing with people, and he never wrote an insulting letter again... (full context)

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Lincoln had great cause to criticize others, however. Once, General Meade disobeyed a direct order from... (full context)

...led an uneducated, poverty-stricken grocery store clerk to study law books—the clerk was named Abraham Lincoln. This desire spurred Charles Dickens to write, John D. Rockefeller to make millions, and average... (full context)

...life, but one could be happy and one could be miserable based on their perspective. Lincoln remarked that “most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to... (full context)

During the darkest time in the Civil War, Lincoln wrote to a friend in Illinois asking him to come to Washington. After the friend... (full context)

Horace Greeley, a famous editor, disagreed with Lincoln’s policies and believed he could debate Lincoln into agreeing with him through abusive ridicule and... (full context)

...Jr. had taken a different tack, there would only have been more hatred and revolt. Lincoln said that to first win a person to your cause, you have to convince him... (full context)

...the man pulled off his coat. Gentleness and friendliness were stronger than fury. Or, as Lincoln said, “A drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of gall.” (full context)

McKinley and Lincoln did the same: McKinley thanked his speechwriter for a splendid campaign speech before saying it... (full context)