Our greatest public orator, Abraham Lincoln’s speeches still stir the heart of any American who encounters them. This course examines the rhetoric of Abraham Lincoln—the public messages in which Lincoln evolved his views on slavery and the Union and by which he sought to persuade others.
By tracing significant moments in Lincoln’s career from the standpoint of public persuasion, you explore how Lincoln navigated the constraints posed by his audiences and situations and how he took advantage of creative opportunities.
You also see how much Lincoln’s public career developed through public speeches and writings. And the course shows you the importance of thinking rhetorically, reasoning with specific audiences and situations in mind.
You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence.
You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.
......William John Henry Boetcker
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