“It would astonish if not amuse the older citizens to learn that I (a strange, friendless, uneducated, penniless boy, working at ten dollars per month) have been put down as the candidate of pride, wealth, and aristocratic family distinction.”
- 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.
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Quote
“It would astonish if not amuse the older citizens to learn that I (a strange, friendless, uneducated, penniless boy, working at ten dollars per month) have been put down as the candidate of pride, wealth, and aristocratic family distinction.”
Explanation
In this quote, Abraham Lincoln humorously reflects on the irony of being perceived as someone of privilege, despite his humble beginnings. He describes himself as a poor, uneducated, and isolated young man, far from the image of the wealthy, aristocratic candidate his opponents had painted him to be. Lincoln is acknowledging the disconnect between his true background—working hard for meager wages—and the false perceptions that had been attached to him during his rise in politics. By emphasizing his poverty and lack of education, Lincoln highlights the contrast between the social expectations of political leaders at the time and his own rise from obscurity. The quote serves as a subtle critique of the notion that only those from privileged backgrounds should hold political office.
Historically, Lincoln’s self-deprecating humor here is tied to his personal journey. Born into poverty and with little formal education, Lincoln’s rise to the presidency was seen by many as remarkable. His success was due not to wealth or family connections but to his determination, self-education, and moral compass. This comment underscores the tension between his humble origins and the political elite’s expectations. Lincoln’s election in 1860 was seen as a victory for the common man, someone who, despite his lack of privilege, could rise to lead the nation with integrity and wisdom.
In modern times, this quote resonates as a commentary on the role of privilege and class in politics. It reminds us of the ways in which people are often judged or stereotyped based on their backgrounds, and how the barriers of wealth and education can impact political success. Lincoln’s experience challenges the idea that only those from privileged backgrounds are qualified to lead, serving as a reminder that character, determination, and values can be more important than social status. It also highlights the potential for outsiders to disrupt established political systems, encouraging the idea that political leadership should be accessible to all, not just to the wealthy or aristocratic.
