On this episode of the Swimming Upstream Radio Show, host Dorothy Wilhelm chats with The Lincoln Guy Larry Fowler about some lesser-known stories of Abraham Lincoln, including the revelation that Lincoln was on the Autism spectrum by most expert’s accounts. They also discuss Lincoln’s personal influences, spiritual journey, and the impact of overlooked individuals in history. Discover how Lincoln’s sensitivity and resilience shaped his leadership and legacy.
Chapters:
- 01:04 – Meet Larry Fowler: The Lincoln Guy
- 02:34 – Debunking Myths About Lincoln’s Knowledge
- 03:03 – The Role of Journalism in Shaping Lincoln’s Legacy
- 04:11 – Rebecca Pomeroy: Lincoln’s Angel and Confidante
- 06:53 – Lincoln’s Meditation on Divine Will
- 09:05 – Lincoln’s Religious Beliefs and Addressing Misconceptions
- 12:17 – Lincoln on the Spectrum: Sensitivity and Empathy
- 13:34 – Lincoln’s Childhood and Emotional Traits
- 16:52 – Historical Social Structures and Lincoln’s Era
- 18:22 – Lincoln’s Fight Against Slavery and Union Preservation
- 19:49 – New Children’s Book on Lincoln and William Johnson
Takeaways:
- The history we prioritize shapes our understanding of influential figures
- Personal stories reveal hidden dimensions of universal human struggles
- Resilience is rooted in deliberate persistence, not just inherent toughness
- The framing of historical figures influences current identity and policy
- Recognizing historical complexity enables better leadership by understanding nuanced motivations
Resources & Links:
More Information
Listeners can contact Larry for more information about his books or for bookings to speak about Lincoln on his website at dlfowler.com.