Too many of us let the little things in life defeat us. But many outstanding figures in history have had to overcome obstacles before they became successful--perhaps that is part of what made them so great.

There is a man who once lived in America who inspires all of us, yet this man knew the meaning of defeat. His mother died when he was a child. As a young man,he ran for the legislature of his state, but he was defeated.

He entered business, but a worthless partner put him into bankruptcy. He fell passionately in love with a girl, but she died.

He served one term in Congress, but was defeated for re-election. He tried for an appointment to the United States Land Office, but failed to get it. He tried tobe a lyceum lecturer, but he failed in that also.

He ran for the United States Senate, but was defeated. He ran for vice-president of the United States, but was defeated.

His name was Abram Lincoln.

(Charles L. Allen, When You Graduate (1972)