“Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren’t very new at all.”
- February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865
- American
- Politician, lawyer
- As the 16th President of the United States, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation and led the Civil War to maintain the unity of the nation.
Quote
“Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren’t very new at all.”
Explanation
This quote speaks to the humbling nature of knowledge and the richness of human thought across time. The idea is that through reading and studying, a person can discover that the ideas or insights they believe are novel have likely been expressed before by others in history. Books serve as a record of the wisdom and thoughts of past generations, reminding individuals that their own thoughts, though important, are part of a larger intellectual tradition. This recognition can be both humbling and inspiring, as it encourages individuals to build on existing ideas and contribute to the ongoing dialogue of human understanding, rather than assuming their insights are entirely unique.
Historically, this reflects the broader intellectual tradition of the Western world, where thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, and Renaissance scholars laid the groundwork for later innovations in philosophy, science, and literature. Abraham Lincoln himself, as a self-taught man, read widely to expand his knowledge and improve his speeches. Lincoln understood that ideas evolve over time, and that by studying the works of others, one can see how contemporary ideas are often part of a much larger tradition of thought. His ability to reference the past while shaping new, forward-looking ideas was one of his strengths as a leader.
In modern contexts, this quote serves as a reminder of the value of education and reading in developing a deeper understanding of the world. It emphasizes the importance of humility in intellectual pursuits and the continuity of human knowledge. Whether in academic settings, creative endeavors, or problem-solving, the quote encourages individuals to recognize that originality often builds on past insights, and that books and history offer a treasure trove of ideas to draw upon, refine, and expand.
