Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren't very new at all

Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren't very new at all

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was known for his intelligence, wisdom, and eloquence. He was a voracious reader and had a deep appreciation for the power of books. One of his most famous quotes is, “Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren't very new at all.” This quote reflects Lincoln’s belief in the importance of learning from the past and recognizing that many of our ideas and thoughts are not as original as we may think.

Lincoln’s own life is a testament to the power of books and the influence they can have on a person’s thinking. He was largely self-educated, having only a year of formal schooling, but he made up for this lack by reading extensively. He devoured books on a wide range of subjects, from history and politics to literature and philosophy. Through his reading, Lincoln was able to expand his knowledge, sharpen his intellect, and develop his own unique perspective on the world.

Lincoln’s quote about the unoriginality of our thoughts is a reminder that we are all influenced by the ideas and experiences of those who came before us. By reading books, we can gain insight into the thoughts and beliefs of others, and see how they have shaped our own thinking. Books allow us to connect with the past, to learn from the mistakes and successes of those who have gone before us, and to see that many of the challenges we face today are not new.