A Lesson from Abraham Lincoln

[hubag bohol]

When, at an official reception during the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln referred to Southerners as erring human beings (rather than enemies worthy of extermination), an elderly Union patriot rebuked him for speaking kindly of his enemies when he ought to be thinking of destroying them. "Why, madam," Lincoln replied, "do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?"

[Lorenzo]

hehehe, strategic jyud ni si Honest Abe, da.

[hubag bohol]

Smart of him, and yet not so.

The friend you create out of the enemy you destroy will become a real friend only when you lose the power to create a friend out of an enemy you destroy.

[Lorenzo]

ah, such deep thought, Nong. I must admit, the humility of Abe's answer against such blatant hatred teaches us all a lesson.

that is, well in my view that is, that there is much strength in rectification than in continued indifference / hatred. His ability to see future gains despite the present animosity at the time is quiet inspiring. Truly, a forgiving father-- even towards rebellious sons.