![]() Inskeep has mastered the art of bridging divides and building constructive debate in interviews in Differ We Must, he brings his skills to bear on a prior master, forming a fresh and compelling narrative of Abraham Lincoln’s life. Many of his greatest acts came about through his engagement with people who disagreed with him-meaning that in these meetings, Lincoln became the Lincoln we know. ![]() He knew his limitations and, as history came to prove, he knew how to prioritize. He told jokes, relied on sarcasm, and often made fun of himself-but behind the banter was a distinguished storyteller who carefully chose what to say and what to withhold. While Lincoln didn’t always change his critics’ beliefs-many went to war against him-he did learn how to make his beliefs actionable. Each interaction was with a person who differed from Lincoln, and in each someone wanted something from the other. In Differ We Must, Inskeep illuminates Lincoln’s life through sixteen encounters, some well-known, some obscure, but all imbued with new significance here. And as Steve Inskeep argues, it was because he was willing to engage in politics-meeting with critics, sometimes working with them and other times outwitting them-that he was able to lead a social revolution. The man who went on to become America’s sixteenth president has assumed many roles in our historical consciousness, but most notable is that he was, unapologetically, a politician. Democracy demanded it, since even an adversary had a vote. Throughout his life and political career, Lincoln often agreed to disagree. But he added: “If for this you and I must differ, differ we must,” and said they would be friends forever. Lincoln rebuked his friend for failing to oppose slavery. ![]()
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