#self made

What is a self-made man? The term was first coined in 1832 by Henry Clay, attorney and lawyer. He represented Kentucky in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for over 10 years. He used the phrase “self-made man” to describe individuals of whose success lay within the person themselves, not with outside conditions. One of the most prominent men in history who represented this concept was Benjamin Franklin. He went from a poor, candle maker’s son to a successful businessman and one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers. So, where does Lincoln come in?

Abraham Lincoln was also a self-made man who acknowledged Clay as his “political hero.” He read an abundance of Clay’s political speeches and was greatly influenced by them. Lincoln started reading at a young age and read so much that his parents saw him as “lazy” (Lincoln grew up in a time where working class sons were expected to be working, not leisurely reading. He did go to a local school for brief periods at a time, but he mostly had to stay home and support his family).

Through reading and writing, Lincoln taught himself law and became a lawyer in 1836. His reputation as a lawyer grew and, when he was running for office, his “Honest Abe” persona grew.

A watercolor illustration of what Abe might have looked like at a young age living in Indiana.

Over the course of his lifetime, Abraham Lincoln read over 268 literary works including Shakespeare’s plays, Arabian Nights,Poems by Robert Burns, Journal and Debates of the Federal Constitution by Jonathan Elliot. Many of his own speeches and debates show comments and quotes from other prestigious writers. You can see a full list of what Lincoln read throughout his life as well as more information about the type of literature he enjoyed published through the University of Michigan Library.

Lincoln was known for being an avid reader and most artists liked to represent him as such. One such example of this is in the print by Warren Sallman, Kriebel & Bates. 

Did you know? While Lincoln was in office from the years 1861-1865, 350 literary works were published in America within that time span including books, poems, plays, and essays. 

Pictures of Abraham Lincoln almost always include him holding a book or an important document that he had been working on or reading. The picture below shows the capital building in the background as Lincoln is holding an important document.

 Abraham Lincoln advocated himself as a self-made man, and literature aided him on his journey to becoming a lawyer as well as one of our greatest presidents in American history. 

-K. Mundon, Lincoln Collection Intern

Vacations are going on and I was sipping my coffee in the evening, thinking about how time has evolved. When we were small kids vacations used to be the best part and much awaited thing. Going to granny’s house was like a dream come true and preparations for us have started from the last time we visited her. She is the most serine beauty with pious love. Her love is like pixie dust sprinkled on me that always rejuvenate me. Visiting her was like no tension of the holiday’s homework, waking up late, tasty food served to you on silver platter and you are the crown bearers who are just ordering. Late night fairy tales were the best part, that time they used to be just stories but now the realization came they were filled with beautiful life lessons which had always guided us. I miss my Granny a lot. She was a mixture of a good parent, an efficient teacher and a true friend. The last word she uttered before resting in peace was my name.  I used to have a great fight with her and we used to fight like cats and dogs. My mother was one who always came as a rescue force to help us be friends again when we both stop talking to each other. She was the one to rescue me from Dad’s scolding and always has a tantrum to play to help me convince my parents. Those hand knitted sweaters in the cozy winters remind me of her love and dedication which she poured in every strand she knitted. Few months before she got ill I was sitting by her side gazing her. The realization of the thought that she will be leaving me made my eyes weepy. Her wrinkled cheeks, loose skin, grey hair and stooping body made me nostalgic but the beauty with which she embraced this waning phase of life made me elated. Time is a great teacher and no one is able to escape from it so as my granny. Grandparents play a crucial role in the development of their grandchildren. They hold our hands for a while but our hearts, forever.They teach some valuable lessons which remain with us for the lifetime. They are the best guardians who know all the tricks and hacks to make us  happy.They are the only ones who always have time for us and listen to our endless talks. They help in building a good character and ensure where ever we go, love and humbleness should be within us. They always make it sure that we grow up with good etiquette and moral values. Forgot to mention, they also become superman sometimes, as they are ready to fight with anyone who threatens us. Their love, motivation and dedication towards us ultimately make us a good citizen. In the nutshell, If nothing is going well, call your Granny. 

Balter festival Chepstow ready

WhatIWore: After this week of Halloween and vampy lips, here’s a basic B everyday look! I made this faux shearling jacket last year when I was pregnant and I’ve been playing around with ways to wear it this season. It’s pretty cropped and needs a longer layer underneath, otherwise it feels a little too top heavy. 

Honestly guys, I’m just feeling a little brain dead lately and can’t think of anything else to write. Hope you have a beautiful weekend! My folks are arriving today and we have lots of house projects to work on and celebrating for my mom’s birthday!!

When: Last Thursday

What:
Shades: Karen Walker
Sweater: Lands End (similar)
Jacket: Self Made (longer option)
Jeans: Crafted by Lee (online only - and $23!)
Boots: UGG (similar here)
Bag: Frye (older style)

Where: Coffeeshop