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October 24, 2005
Abraham Lincoln's Depression
Lincoln's Melancholy, by Joshua Wolf Shenk, explores Lincoln's struggle with depression and links it with his fight for universal justice. According to a review in the Book Review section of the October 23, 2005 New York Times, Shenk feels the competition among contemporary American polititians to be the most optimistic candidate undervalues the attitude of pessimism, a frequent feature of depressed people.
Lincoln's personal suffering led him to strive mightily to contribute something worthwhile to the world, and he felt he succeeded with the Emancipation Proclamation.
Related Links:
"Lincoln's Melancholy," Joshua Wolf Shenk, New York Times, October 23, 2005.
"'Lincoln's Melancholy': Sadder and Wiser," Patricia Cohen, New York Times, October 23, 2005.
Lincoln's Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness (Hardcover) at Amazon.Com
NOTE: New York Times articles are available for a one- to two-week period before moving into archives requiring payment to read.
Posted by admin at October 24, 2005 03:18 PM