For my part, I desire to see the time when education - and by its

Hear now the voice of Abraham Lincoln, whose words echo across the ages: “For my part, I desire to see the time when education—and by its means, morality, sobriety, enterprise and industry—shall become much more general than at present, and should be gratified to have it in my power to contribute something to the advancement of any measure which might have a tendency to accelerate the happy period.” This utterance is not merely the wish of a statesman, but the vision of a prophet, a longing for a day when the light of education spreads over the land like the rising of the sun, bringing forth a harvest of virtues that strengthen both the soul and the nation.

Consider, O listener, how Lincoln himself was shaped by this truth. Born in poverty, with no tutor but the wilderness and the firelight by which he read, he drank deeply from the well of education whenever he could find it. Books were rare treasures in his youth, yet he pursued them as others pursue gold. From this hunger for learning arose not only his own greatness but also the conviction that the Republic itself could not flourish unless knowledge was made general, given freely to rich and poor alike. For Lincoln knew that ignorance is a chain heavier than iron, and only the torch of education can break it.

Mark how he links education to the higher pillars of society: morality, sobriety, enterprise, and industry. For learning without virtue can turn to pride, but when knowledge is joined to morality, it becomes wisdom; when joined to sobriety, it becomes discipline; when joined to enterprise, it becomes innovation; when joined to industry, it becomes the engine of prosperity. This is the harmony he sought—the weaving of knowledge into the very fabric of character and labor, so that a people might rise not in arrogance, but in righteousness.

Let us recall the story of the Scottish weaver’s son, Andrew Carnegie, who came to America with nothing but determination. Though poor, he found his way to books, often borrowing from the library of a local benefactor. Through education he lifted himself from factory work to the pinnacles of industry, and later gave back by building libraries across the nation, so that others might also rise. In his story, as in Lincoln’s vision, we see that the spread of education brings forth enterprise and industry, not merely for the profit of one man, but for the good of many.

Yet Lincoln’s words are also a warning, for in his day, as in ours, there are forces content with ignorance, for an uneducated people are easier to rule, easier to deceive, easier to exploit. He longed to “accelerate the happy period” when this would no longer be so—when the masses would stand tall, armed with knowledge and strengthened by virtue. We, too, must long for this day, and not only long but labor for it.

Therefore, let the lesson be clear: if you would honor Lincoln’s spirit, if you would carry forward his vision, you must be both a seeker and a giver of education. Seek knowledge not only for yourself but for your community. Support the schools, cherish the teachers, defend the libraries, and encourage the young. Let your household be a place where learning is honored, where books are companions, and where questions are welcomed rather than silenced.

Practical action lies within everyone’s reach. Mentor the child who struggles, donate to the school that lacks, read to the one who cannot yet read, and above all, cultivate in your own heart the example of lifelong learning. For every act that spreads education brings closer that “happy period” of which Lincoln spoke, when a nation of free minds and virtuous hearts shall stand together, strong and enduring.

So let us rise with the resolve of the ancients and the fire of the prophets. Let us carry Lincoln’s vision like a banner before us. For the Republic is only as noble as the minds of its people, and the people are only as noble as the education that shapes them. To spread knowledge is to spread freedom; to nurture learning is to build eternity. This is the legacy we inherit, and this is the legacy we must leave.