I came across a quote today that would, if heeded, save a great many men and women a great deal of trouble. The 16th President of our United States, Abraham Lincoln, spoke these profound, yet simple words:
Achievement is not success unless it is grounded in righteousness. Likewise, an accomplished life comes not from a stack of achievements, but from virtuosity in the expression of life. If you find yourself tempted to take a shortcut to achieve a desired end, caveat emptor, for such enterprise will dim the light that you have.
So often friendships are born of mutual likes or even mutual dislikes. Deep and lasting friendships, however, are built on a foundation of blessing and generation. Few people are willing to let their lives be ordered according to this principle. As a result, their relationships are clouded by the reluctance to “part with him when he goes wrong.”
Nobility requires decent boldness. Be prepared to stand alone if you must to stay true. On this basis and only on this basis is a victorious life assured.
Gregory Hake 
This is still my all time favorite quote!! President Lincoln was so clear about drawing the line in friendship.
LikeLike
I agree Melissa – and this takes COURAGE
LikeLike
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now. Keep it up!
And according to this article, I totally agree with your opinion, but only this time! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you! I appreciate the encouragement.
LikeLike
Thanks for posting about Abraham Lincoln! He is my personal hero and I always try as much as I can to live by his words. Lincoln’s words still have as much meaning today as they did when he said them. He was a very wise man who knew how to stick to his purpose.
I love Abraham Lincoln.
LikeLike
Gregg,
Appreciate your blog immensely. Always nuggets of pure gold!
Today’s entry hit right to the heart of our true responsibility. Thanks for sharing the words of a man that lived a life of victory and for the reminder that sometimes we must take the challenging path to remain true.
LikeLike
Your words are much appreciated, Gale!
LikeLike
I appreciate the post so much. Its never the easy route, but these are words to live by that will see anyone through the hardest times. Thanks again!
LikeLike
My pleasure, Rolando. I have found that heeding President Lincoln’s advice makes things easier over time and the friendships that form are powerful and durable!
LikeLike
Bless President Lincoln’s words shared a century and a half ago, and heartfelt thanks to Gregg Hake for his words today… a humble reminder of what probably hasn’t been heeded by most, and the bright glimpse into what can come by taking the spirit of Lincoln’s words to heart this day forward – a life victorious.
LikeLike
teachers reading this blog…what a great quote to use as we study Lincoln’s life this February. Our lesson plans can become life plans for our students. Let our children see the value of words well spoken; they live forever. Let’s emphasize how Lincoln lived not the tragedy of his death.
I’d love to hear how other teachers reading this blog use some of the information for their classes. We teach 6th grade and 11th grade math…ideas?
LikeLike
Gregg – just have to let you know. This literally stopped me in my “fast” tracks this morning. I actually took a deep impromptu breath and gently smiled. I’ve already re-read it a few times. Thank you.
LikeLike
You’re very welcome, Andrea and thank you for following my blog!
LikeLike
Awesome blog!
LikeLike
Thanks, Doug. I appreciate your comment. I’m thoroughly enjoying composing and sharing it!
LikeLike
Gregg Hake this blog cuts right to the heart of what is important!! This is like Robert Frost said “and I took the path less traveled, and that made all the difference”
President Lincoln and Robert Frost can both be seen as men who in quiet strength remained true to their own light. Kudos on today’s entry!!
I can hardly wait until your next one!
LikeLike
Gregg Hake this blog cuts right to the heart of what is important!! This is like Robert Frost said “and I took the path less traveled, and that made all the difference”
President Lincoln and Robert Frost can both be seen as men who in quiet strength remained true to their own light. Kudos on today’s entry!!
I can hardly wait until your next one!
LikeLike