THE MOST MISERABLE MAN ALIVE. (A Short Reminiscence Concerning Abraham Lincoln)

"I am now the most miserable man living" wrote a famous American leader. "If what I feel now were equally distributed to the whole human family, there would not be one cheerful face on earth. To remain as I am is impossible. I must die or be better."

You may be surprised to know that the man who wrote this was Abraham Lincoln.

Years later, in the darkest days of the American Civil War, Lincoln wrestled with the specter of unrelenting depression. It can strike anyone. No one is immune. Not even a nation's president. Here is this marvelous man with his magnificent character feeling absolutely alone. 

Surely the president ought to sleep well because of his protective service, because of his wise counsel, to say nothing of his financial security. Yet, there he was, tossing and turning through the night; haunted by debilitating thoughts.

(to be continued)

By Roy Basler, "The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln"