President Lincoln related to a close staffer, that one of his Greatest Generals, was a Mighty Thinker. The staffer was appalled that Lincoln would spend a moment of his precious time dwelling on the General, whose reputation and military career had proven an obvious failure. Lincoln repeated that he considered him the Greatest General, because he had proven himself a Mighty Thinker, wise beyond his years, he had mastered the philosophy of, Knowing Thyself.
President Lincoln continued to the staffer, that this man was the Greatest General in the United State’s Army, at this very moment. This General and Mighty Thinker had some sort of spiritual experience, that transformed his mental capacity in order to not only be aware of his abilities, but more importantly his limitations. The remarkable General had transcended the bonds of most mortal men, that this Civil War had thus far produced. Lincoln was asked by the young staffer, why this Great General and Mighty Thinker pleased the President and Lincoln responded,
“For the reason, greatly to my relief, and to the interest of the country, he has resigned. The country should express its gratitude in some substantial way.”
Thus, President Lincoln’s Greatest General and Mighty Thinker, left the Service of the Union Army and faded into the memory of failed Civil War Generals.
Bummer
Of course, Lincoln saw the opposite so often in his generals that he was well-equipped to cite genius when he saw it.
Louis,
You’re so droll. Lincoln had an innate ability to “kill with kindness and flattery.” To build anyone up and to let them down softly. Sarcasm in private, cut both ways.
Bummer