Abraham Lincoln and the arts: creation of a leader

Abstract

Works of art illuminate our lives. They are vital to human experience and assist leadership development. I demonstrate research that reveals a relationship between the arts and leadership. The arts played a role in Lincoln’s ability to lead the country through the cataclysm of the American Civil War. Culture surrounded Lincoln’s life’s journey. This thesis examines the life of Abraham Lincoln, researches the arts he experienced, and his growth as a leader. It examines art’s potential to foster leadership qualities and explores the arts that permeated his life. We can learn from the culture that surrounded Abraham Lincoln. The examination and analysis of the association between art and leadership adds to evidence of the role the arts play in human experience: mentally, physically, and spiritually. I use a mixed methodology of analytical and qualitative research, studying primary resources of Lincoln’s original work, his correspondence, private conversations, memos, speeches, as well as his published poetry, letters, and statements. I study his leadership development through the eyes of those who knew him. I examine oral histories, journals, diaries, and first-hand observations of Abraham Lincoln’s friends, relatives, and colleagues. I examine the works and papers of friends, members of his cabinet, secretaries, law partners, and fellow politicians. I examine the literature, performing arts, and visual arts that encompassed Abraham Lincoln. I read the prose Lincoln read, recite the poetry Lincoln spoke, and listen to the music that enveloped his ears, to experience the arts as he experienced them. This study finds evidence that art in Lincoln’s life was a significant component to his leadership growth and assisted in his overall well-being. The arts are integrated in his achievements, concepts, and constitution. The arts acted as a support mechanism to help him mentally survive bitter losses, persevere despite poverty, abuse, poor physical and mental health, and nourished his daunting journey to become a profound intellectual, astute litigator, political animal, and arguably the most consequential president in our nation’s history. Culture is consequential and has the power to transform lives. This study expands scholarship on Lincoln’s leadership abilities, as well as leadership itself. Future studies on historically strong leaders and the arts they experienced would further this field of research.