He could have quit many times – but he didn’t



Abraham Lincoln never quits.

Born into poverty, Lincoln was faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown.

He could have quit many times – but he didn’t and because he didn’t quit, he became one of the greatest presidents in the United States history.

Here is a sketch of Lincoln’s road to the White House:

1.1816 His family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them.

2.1818 His mother died.

3.1831 Failed in business.

4.1832 Ran for state legislature – lost.

5.1832 Also lost his job – wanted to go to law school but couldn’t get in.

6.1833 Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year
he was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt.

7.1834 Ran for state legislature again – won.

8.1835 Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died and his heart was broken.

9.1836 Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months.

10.1838 Sought to become speaker of the state legislature – defeated.

11.1840 Sought to become elector – defeated.

12.1843 Ran for Congress – lost.

13.1846 Ran for Congress again – this time he won – went to Washington and did a good
job.

14.1848 Ran for re-election to Congress – lost.

15.1849 Sought the job of land officer in his home state – rejected.

16.1854 Ran for Senate of the United States – lost.

17.1856 Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party’s national convention – get
less than 100 votes.

18.1858 Ran for U.S. Senate again – again he lost.

19.1860 Elected president of the United States.


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