Clark B. Montgomery Alternative Article #2  Fast Company October, 1999

LINCOLN Vidal, G. (1984). Lincoln. New York: Random House.

LINCOLN is the renowned historical novel written by Gore Vidal and published in 1984. The book portrays the life and events, in a first person style, of Abraham Lincoln, his family, Cabinet, employees and other figures throughout the American Civil War years of 1861-1865. Although the book is technically a historical novel, it is recognized and applauded for its personalized historical accuracy. Vidals skill in creating this work allows the reader to not only learn about history, but to actually relive the thoughts and conversations of historys players. In the books Afterword , Vidal discusses the accuracy of his novel as an urgent question for any reader; [that] deserves as straight an answer as the author can give. Vidals response is that, All the principal characters really existed, and they said and did pretty much what I have them saying and doing. Regarding Lincoln and the other historical figures, I have reconstructed them from letters, journals, diaries, etc.. Although whats conveyed in this writing can never be labeled as inconvertible truth, it is generally accepted that the personalities, emotions, and conduct of the books principles are portrayed accurately. What enviable talent has Gore Vidal.

Although Id read this book many years ago, its in-depth style, nearly 700 pages in length, and my short memory combined to make re-reading this a reasonably new experience. Initially reading (and subsequently re-reading) it for recreation, it never dawned on me that its content might have connection to my involvement with my work, the M.Ed. program, my mien  but it does.

If Vidals recreation of Lincolns manner, deportment, and character are accurate (and I believe they are), Lincoln must then be recognized as the consummate example of Transformative Learning in action. Furthermore, I believe that its that quality that has allowed Lincoln to occupy his place in American history as perhaps our most endeared and revered historical figure. That statement may be a direct confrontation to what, I believe, are the commonly held perceptions about Lincoln that have allowed his deification. There are few Americans that have not grown up with an understanding that Lincoln was in possession of almost saintly qualities, used those abilities to preserve our nation, then finally gave his life that this nation might survive. With such an obvious parallel to western religion and the life of Jesus Christ, is it any wonder Lincoln is so revered?

In truth, all the above regarding Lincoln likely holds some truth. However, it appears that it was not so much Lincolns character that allowed his achievements, but rather his skill as an intellect, communicator AND politician. The man, just like you or I, had feet of clay. Was Lincoln blessed with uncompromising honesty? No, in fact, Lincoln was a master of deceit. Although not dishonest with criminal intent, Lincoln frequently used deceit as a tool to furthering his political views. Was Lincoln truly a man of the people and honored by his plain and humble roots? Not really, in fact Lincoln was actually a rather wealthy individual by the time he was elected president and none too proud of his humble background. Honest Abe and the railsplitter were images created by his publicist to help secure votes, not an image Lincoln welcomed. Well then, what about the slaves and slavery  the man did free the slaves. Yes, but freeing the slaves was a calculated move to help militarily defeat the rebel states. Lincoln, like most citizens of the time, had a fairly low regard for blacks and was, at best, a fence straddling abolitionist. His plan, following the war, was to totally rid the county of blacks by colonizing territory in central America. Had Lincoln lived, that plan would have likely been consummated. If Vidal is to be believed, there is a host of public and personal perceptions surrounding Lincoln that is partly myth and certainly views held of Lincoln until after his death.

What then makes Lincoln so important to America and so entitled to a revered position in this countrys history? Simply put, he almost single-handedly is responsible for preventing the demise of this nation. An unpopular president and standing nearly alone, Lincoln convincingly defeated this countrys enemies, both foreign and domestic. Without his intervention, its almost certain this country would not exist today. Whats even more amazing is how Lincoln accomplished that feat.

Lincoln earned status as the savior of this country through his superior intelligence, his commitment to the preservation of this country regardless of the cost, his unparalleled insight, and his ability to communicate/teach. Faced with a constituency that offered little political or popular support (bordering on internal revolution), Lincoln had not the power to command any desired outcome. Instead he was forced to rely on guile to outsmart his adversaries and his ability to communicate/teach to bring the majority to accept his views. Throughout the book there are examples of Lincoln doing just that  not in the top-down, Im in charge here, Im smarter so youd better listen to me manner  but, in fact, in a purely tranformative fashion. Lincolns style, including home-spun stories with a moral, a willingness to listen to all views, a non-judgmental approach, and personal empathy had him characterized, in his day, as a weak willed bumpkin. Reflecting on his particular style in modern terms, its rather easy to now stand in awe of Lincolns intellect and his adaptation of communication/education skills to triumph over insurmountable odds.

Understanding Abraham Lincoln as a man, and in a little different light, in no way diminishes the respect and awe I continue to hold for him. What is significant about these new insights is the living example it paints of the absolute effectiveness of this phenomena we call transformative learning. Of course, Lincoln never heard the term and probably would have wanted to rename it something a little less academic if he had. Regardless, it is a convincing message and powerful to behold.

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-- Anonymous, October 06, 1999