The spiritual kinship between Lincoln and Whitman was founded upon their Americanism, their essential Westernism. Whitman had grown up without much formal education; Lincoln had scarcely any education. One had become the notable poet of the day; one the orator of the Gettsyburg Address. It was inevitable that Whitman as a poet should turn with a feeling of kinship to Lincoln, and even without any association or contact feel that Lincoln was his.

To put meaning in one's life may end in madness, But life without meaning is the torture Of restlessness and vague desire-It is a boat longing for the sea and yet afraid.

To this generation I would say: Memorize some bit of verse of truth or beauty.

The Typical American? He is sent to school Little or much, where he imbibes the rule Of safety first and comfort; in his youth He joins the church and ends the quest of truth.

. . . the weal of the race, and the cause of humanity, here and now, are enough To give life meaning and death as well.

In time you shall see Fate approach you In the shape of your own image in the mirror.

The tongue may be an unruly member-- But silence poisons the soul.