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:
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1816 His family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them.
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1818 His mother died.
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1831 Failed in business.
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1832 Ran for state legislature – lost.
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1832 Also lost his job – wanted to go to law school but couldn’t get in.
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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.
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1834 Ran for state legislature again – won.
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1835 Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died and his heart was broken.
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1836 Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months.
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1838 Sought to become speaker of the state legislature – defeated.
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1840 Sought to become elector – defeated.
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1843 Ran for Congress – lost.
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1846 Ran for Congress again – this time he won – went to Washington and did a good job.
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1848 Ran for re-election to Congress – lost.
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1849 Sought the job of land officer in his home state – rejected.
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1854 Ran for Senate of the United States – lost.
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1856 Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party’s national convention – get less than 100 votes.
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1858 Ran for U.S. Senate again – again he lost.
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1860 Elected president of the United States.