General Discussion
In 1848, while serving in Washington as a Congressman from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln received a letter from his young law partner, William H. Herndon, complaining of some fancied grievances he held against certain Illinois personages. The following excerpt from Lincoln's reply discloses not only his sound advice to young Herndon but reveals something of his own character as well. (Lincoln to Herndon, July 10, 1848)
The way for a young man to rise is to improve himself every way he can, never suspecting that anybody wishes to hinder him. Allow me to assure you that suspicion and jealousy never did help any man in any situation. There may sometimes be ungenerous attempts to keep a young man down; and they will succeed, too, if he allows his mind to be diverted from its true channel to brood over the attempted injury. Cast about, and see if this feeling has not injured every person you have ever known to fall into it.
Now, in what I have said, I am sure you will suspect nothing but sincere friendship. I would save you from a fatal error. You have been a laborious, studious young man. You are far better informed on almost all subjects than I have ever been. You cannot fail in any laudable object, unless you allow your mind to be improperly directed. I have somewhat the advantage of you in the world's experience, merely by being older; and it is this that induces me to advise.
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