This example demonstrates Lincoln’s other virtues: his empathy and selflessness. Even though it would be easy for Lincoln to take out his anger on Meade and criticize him, he chose not to send his angry letter. Instead, he realized once again that criticism is ineffective, and he looked at the situation from Meade’s point of view and sympathized with the difficult decisions Meade had to make. By taking this selfless perspective and forgoing criticism, Lincoln avoided further conflict with a key general, showing the benefits of this kind of selflessness and positivity.