Americans’ values illustrated in Abraham Lincoln’s Biography.

« MAMADOU LAMINE COR Topic: Americans’ values illustrated in Abraham Lincoln’s Biography. Civilizations through the history of humanity follow generally similar patterns, however, there are numerous peculiarities typical for the process of each society formation. When considering the process of American and other civilisations, we come to determine that they are drastically different.

That began with the invention of an American culture different from the European culture from which it is fully derived.

This essentialism is precisely developed so much by popular personalities.

Robert Kohls, an executive director of the Washington International Centre, made an important study of the American society relating thirteen Values American live by, in which he held that this “list of (…) American values would stand in sharp contrast to the values commonly held by the people of many other countries” 1 .

Thanks to the country rich political history, Americans have seen many significant changes in society and in culture.

One of the most influential figures in United States political history is Abraham Lincoln; his self-made and his devotion to the agenda of human rights have won him a place in the hearts of Americans.

In this essay, I will discuss the influence of President Lincoln’s “self-help concept” and commitment to “egalitarianism” on the Americans. “Self-help concept”, sixth in the list of American values given by Kohl, refers to an individual who has risen from a humble condition to attain a prominent position in finance, politics or any other field through his or her skills rather than through inheritance, family ties or any other privilege.

It’s one of the most viewable values that Lincoln embodies.

He rose from poverty to prominence through self-improvement.

Despite the shortcomings in his family, his hard work, persistence, and individual effort brought him up to the highest status in American society.

Of all the American leaders, Lincoln pioneered the spirit of self-help in America.

He is the model of the self-made man, his entire life reflected his belief in self- improvement, and from adolescence until his death.

More than a century after his death, his self-reliance is still one of the Americans most important self-build values.

Thus, Kohl writes 1 Robert Kohls.

“The Values Americans Live By” The Washington International Center, 1984, p.

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