Tree or Shadow

"Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow.

The shadow is what we think of it, the tree is the real thing."

Abraham Lincoln

When I think of Abraham Lincoln, my mind can go in hundreds of directions, but to limit him to one word, I would choose honesty.  Information about President Lincoln reflects a self-taught man who consistently brought complicated subjects to a level to be understood by all men using accurate words.

I do not have the sense that Abraham Lincoln desired to be anyone but his improved self.  He believed that every individual could work hard and therefore be rewarded with safe living.  He was able to look beyond the obvious and discern the truth beyond.  

He came in contact with numerous reputations about others, but he would hold his assessment until he met the individual in person.  He believed reputations were just shadows and preferred to engage with the real person.  He inferred that shadows were what we assumed people were, while meeting a person let us view the real thing.