“My father… removed from Kentucky to… Indiana, in my eighth year… It was a wild region, with many bears and other wild animals still in the woods. There I grew up… Of course when I came of age, I did not know much. Still somehow, I could read, write, and cipher… but that was 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
“My father… removed from Kentucky to… Indiana, in my eighth year… It was a wild region, with many bears and other wild animals still in the woods. There I grew up… Of course when I came of age, I did not know much. Still somehow, I could read, write, and cipher… but that was all.”
Explanation
This quote is an early reflection from Abraham Lincoln on his humble and rough beginnings. He describes his family’s relocation from Kentucky to Indiana when he was eight years old, to a frontier region still wild with bears and other animals, highlighting the hardship and isolation of the environment in which he grew up. Lincoln’s early life was marked by a lack of formal education and resources, and he openly admits that, by the time he reached adulthood, he did not possess much in terms of formal learning. However, he stresses that he was still able to read, write, and cipher, which were foundational skills that set him apart and allowed him to pursue self-education later on.
Historically, Lincoln’s narrative serves as a testimony to the importance of self-reliance and persistence in the face of adversity. Despite the lack of a formal education and the difficult circumstances of his early life, Lincoln would go on to become one of the most revered self-taught men in American history. His ability to read and engage with books, even in a frontier setting, became a cornerstone of his intellectual development and political success. This notion is part of the American Dream—the belief that individuals can overcome humble beginnings through hard work and determination.
In modern times, Lincoln’s reflection on his early life serves as an inspiration for those who may feel disadvantaged by their circumstances. It underscores the power of literacy and education, even when limited, to open doors and provide opportunities for personal growth. The fact that Lincoln was able to achieve so much despite his modest start shows that knowledge—whether formal or self-taught—can be a powerful tool for advancement, and it encourages individuals to leverage whatever resources they have, no matter how meager they might seem, to improve themselves.
