Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

+1 on the recognition of having a supportive spouse - this is a huge factor in my motivation and lack of depression. I know what you mean about comparing yourself to someone accomplished. I keep this as a google document for when I need a reminder to keep going:

A list of Abraham Lincoln’s Failures:

- Lost job, 1832

- Defeated for legislature, 1832

- Failed in business, 1833

- Elected to legislature, 1834

- Sweetheart (Ann Rutledge) died, 1835

- Had nervous breakdown, 1836

- Defeated for Speaker, 1838

- Defeated for nomination for Congress, 1843

- Elected to Congress, 1846

- Lost renomination, 1848

- Rejected for Land Officer, 1849

- Defeated for Senate, 1854

- Defeated for nomination for Vice-President, 1856

- Again defeated for Senate, 1858

- Elected President, 1860



You forgot to add "killed". Probably the biggest, finalest "loser" moment anyone can face. :/

I wonder how well history would have judged him had he not been killed in office. Certainly some positive aspects, but we may have focused a bit more on his negatives (and he would have had more negatives in his life).

BTW, find and read "Lincoln the Unknown" if you can get your hands on it. VERY good read (imo).


Thanks for that book suggestion I'll look for it. I don't have his death on here, that's true. The list is more about overcoming adversity than chronicling all his failures - though you may be right that he would be seen more negatively if he had lived. Perhaps the circumstances of his death helped create the legend around him - a lemons out of lemonade sort of thing (admittedly those are some damn sour lemons however).


It's out of print, but try to find a copy at a used bookstore if you can.

http://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Dale-Carnegie/dp/0899683207


I think America's collective view of JFK works the same. If he hadn't have died so young, what might we think of him now?


Labeling the death of his sweetheart as one of his failures seems a bit harsh.


I think Lincoln's case doesn't support the "good to have supportive spouse" idea but rather (1) persist, and (2) talent/genius wins out in the end, given the right context and times that let it manifest and become critical. Heck, even without much talent, persistance is helpful.




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: