Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is known for many things – his leadership during the Civil War, his role in abolishing slavery, and his famous speeches. But did you know that he was also a dedicated lifelong learner? One of the most fascinating examples of Lincoln’s commitment to self-improvement was his study of Euclid’s geometry while serving as a congressman.
The Early Years: Lincoln’s Limited Formal Education
To understand the significance of Lincoln’s later studies, we need to look at his early education. Lincoln was born in 1809 in Kentucky, and his family moved to Indiana when he was young. In those days, formal education wasn’t easy to come by, especially for those living in frontier areas.
Lincoln himself described his early schooling as limited:
“There were some schools, so called, but no qualification was ever required of a teacher beyond ‘readin’, writin’, and cipherin” to the rule of three. If a straggler supposed to understand Latin happened to sojourn in the neighborhood, he was looked upon as a wizard.”
Despite these limitations, young Abraham was eager to learn. He taught himself to read and write, and by the time he was an adult, he could “read, write, and cipher to the rule of three.”
A Thirst for Knowledge
Lincoln’s desire to learn didn’t stop when he left school. Throughout his life, he continued to educate himself. In his own words:
“The little advance I now have upon this store of education, I have picked up from time to time under the pressure of necessity.”
This “picking up” of knowledge would continue well into his adult years, even as he pursued a career in law and politics.
Congressman Lincoln: Student of Geometry
One of the most remarkable examples of Lincoln’s self-education came during his time as a congressman. In 1846, Lincoln was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving one term from 1847 to 1849.
It was during this period that Lincoln decided to tackle a subject that had long interested him: geometry. Specifically, he set out to master Euclid’s “Elements,” a series of 13 books on geometry and number theory written by the ancient Greek mathematician Euclid around 300 BCE.
Why Geometry?
You might wonder why a congressman would choose to study geometry in his spare time. For Lincoln, it wasn’t about practical application, but about training his mind in logical thinking and reasoning.
Lincoln believed that understanding Euclid’s logical proofs would help him become a better lawyer and debater. He saw geometry as a way to sharpen his analytical skills and improve his ability to construct sound arguments.
The Challenge of Self-Study
Studying Euclid’s geometry was no small task, especially for someone without formal mathematical training. The “Elements” is a complex work that builds from basic definitions and axioms to increasingly sophisticated geometric proofs.
Lincoln approached this challenge with his characteristic determination. He studied the first six books of Euclid’s “Elements,” which cover plane geometry. This meant working through hundreds of propositions and proofs, often late into the night after his congressional duties were done.
The Impact of Lincoln’s Geometric Studies
Lincoln’s study of Euclid had a profound impact on his thinking and his approach to problems. Here are a few ways it influenced him:
1. Improved Logical Reasoning
The rigorous logical structure of Euclid’s proofs helped Lincoln refine his own thinking. He learned to build arguments step by step, starting from agreed-upon premises and moving logically to a conclusion.
2. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills
Geometry taught Lincoln to approach problems systematically, breaking them down into smaller parts and solving them one step at a time.
3. Clearer Communication
Studying Euclid helped Lincoln express complex ideas more clearly. He learned to present his thoughts in a logical, easy-to-follow manner, a skill that would serve him well in his political career.
4. Increased Confidence
Mastering such a challenging subject boosted Lincoln’s confidence in his intellectual abilities. This self-assurance would prove valuable as he faced the enormous challenges of the presidency.
Lincoln’s Ongoing Commitment to Learning
Lincoln’s study of Euclid wasn’t a one-time effort. Throughout his life, he continued to seek out new knowledge and challenge himself intellectually. In his autobiography, he notes:
“He regrets his want of education, and does what he can to supply the want.”
This commitment to lifelong learning was a key part of Lincoln’s character and contributed significantly to his success as a lawyer, politician, and leader.
Lessons from Lincoln’s Example
Lincoln’s dedication to self-education, even while serving as a congressman, offers valuable lessons for all of us:
- It’s never too late to learn: Lincoln was in his late 30s when he tackled Euclid. Age is no barrier to acquiring new knowledge.
- Challenging yourself intellectually has many benefits: Lincoln’s study of geometry improved his thinking skills in ways that benefited him throughout his career.
- Learning can happen anywhere: Lincoln didn’t need a formal classroom to master complex subjects. With determination and good resources, you can learn almost anything.
- Education is a lifelong journey: Lincoln never stopped trying to improve himself and expand his knowledge.
- Diverse knowledge is valuable: Lincoln’s study of geometry might seem unrelated to politics, but it enhanced his ability to reason and communicate effectively.
The Legacy of a Self-Taught President
Abraham Lincoln’s journey from a boy with limited formal schooling to a president who could grapple with complex geometric proofs is truly inspiring. His dedication to self-improvement and lifelong learning played a crucial role in shaping him into the leader who would guide the United States through its greatest crisis.
Lincoln’s example reminds us that education is not just about formal schooling, but about a constant desire to learn and grow. Whether you’re studying geometry like Lincoln, or tackling any other subject that interests you, remember: with determination and effort, you can expand your knowledge and skills at any stage of life.
So the next time you face a challenging learning opportunity, think of Congressman Lincoln, poring over Euclid’s “Elements” by candlelight. Let his example inspire you to embrace the challenge and keep learning, no matter where life takes you.
