Differ We Must

More about the book

From journalist and historian Steve Inskeep comes a compelling exploration of Abraham Lincoln's political acumen through sixteen encounters before and during his presidency. This examination reveals not only the strategies of a great politician who faced a divided nation but also offers lessons relevant to our own tumultuous times. In 1855, Lincoln, then a lawyer, wrote a note to a friend from a slaveholding family, challenging his views on slavery while asserting, "If for this you and I must differ, differ we must." Throughout his career, Lincoln exemplified the necessity of agreeing to disagree, recognizing that democracy required engagement with adversaries. Known as the sixteenth president, Lincoln was unapologetically a politician who engaged with critics, compromised, and advanced only as swiftly as public opinion allowed, enabling him to lead a social revolution. Inskeep highlights Lincoln's life through various encounters, each significant in its own right. While it’s uncertain if Lincoln changed his critics' beliefs, he learned to make his own actionable through storytelling and oratory. Inskeep, an experienced interviewer, applies his skills to illuminate Lincoln's ability to navigate political factions while adhering to his moral compass, ultimately uniting a nation.