Biography of Abraham Lincoln For Kids: 5 Lessons For a Younger Generation

Abraham Lincoln is regarded as one of the greatest presidents. But what lessons does his life 150 years ago have for today's youth? Reading a biography of Abraham Lincoln can give valuable life lessons for the younger generation of any era.

Here are five lessons for kids from Abraham Lincoln's life:

1. Leadership

Lincoln led with his heart, as well as his mind. His humanitarian thinking could be the reason he is so revered today. Civil War Gen. William Tecumseh, said of his leadership, “Of all the men I have ever met, he seemed to possess more of the elements of greatness, combined with goodness, than any other.” Lincoln provides an example for youths on how to be engaged and a leader in whatever endeavor they are undertaking.

2. Overcoming adversity

Lincoln didn't let being born into poverty deter him from accomplishing what he desired in life. He had to deal with the death of his mother when he was just 9 years old. While still a child, he also saw the death of his infant brother and older sister. He was limited in his schooling, working in the fields for farmers needing work, Fast Company reported. He could have shut down over those adversities, but used his painful life experiences to show compassion and concern for others throughout his life.

Vote Now: Who Was the Greatest American President?

3. Never give up

Lincoln overcame business failure, personal loss, political setbacks, stress, rejection, financial difficulties, and family crises. But yet, he marched forward and eventually reached the top office in the U.S. government. He was determined and never gave up, having faith in his abilities and faith in God.

4. Value of hard work

Lincoln was an extremely hard worker throughout his life. While often youths look for ways to make a quick buck, they need to know that hard work and dedication over a substantial period of time are required for any “overnight success.”

"Life was a school to him and he was always studying and mastering every subject before him," Doris Kearns Goodwin wrote. “He later told a student seeking advice, ‘Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.’”

5. Don't mind criticism

Lincoln was constantly under the microscope and bashed by a divided nation. The president often fended off criticism with humor. When accused of being two-faced, he replied, “If I were two-faced, would I be wearing this one?” While criticism is never easy to swallow, ignoring it or brushing it off can keep a young person on his or her determined path.

Urgent: Who Is the Greatest American President in History?

Related Stories:

• Biography of George Washington for Kids: 5 Lessons for a Younger Generation
• Biography of Ronald Reagan For Kids: 5 Lessons For a Younger Generation