Joined: Mar 14, 2004 Posts: 767 Location: Sitting in a chair
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2006 1:26 am Post subject:
I also watched the less than aptly titled “History” Channel’s program on Lincoln. It’s my opinion that most of what is produced on that channel needs to be taken with a pound of salt. I, too, was less than impressed (to be charitable) with the program, but it was because of the flawed portrayal of the basic premise. (Was it a deliberate attempt to make the production more controversial and drive up ratings?)
I have Mr. Shenk’s book. He is not a historian and doesn’t pretend to be. As many people here have pointed out, it shouldn’t be necessary to have an alphabet soup following one’s name in order not to be ridiculed. “Lincoln’s Melancholy – How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness” is 243 pages long. It has 241 footnotes and a 22 page bibliography. It was researched over seven years; it wasn’t slapped together in a fortnight.
I have more than a passing familiarity with the disease of depression. Most of you probably know at least one depressive but don’t realize it, because it is exactly comments like this:
Quote:
“He'd have been in the lunatic asylum, not at the head of the legal profession in IL, in congress, or in the White House. Prone to episodes of depression? Sure. Went through them at times? Almost certainly. But stuck in a suicidal depression all his days, no. Not and act the way he did, and acomplish what he accomplished.”
that reveal the lack of understanding that keeps many sufferers of chronic depression silent. “he’d have been in the lunatic asylum” More than 100 million people a year are affected by depression. They’re not in lunatic asylums and don’t need to be; they’re out walking around and many manage just fine.
The coping mechanisms and willpower required of sufferers of chronic depression just to function on a day to day basis are often Herculean. Repetitive episodes of overlaying major depression and suicidal ideology are common. But out of that crucible of darkness and pain can be forged an inner strength, a discipline and a self-knowledge that ‘normal’ people lack. The moody introspection can also serve to develop an ironic sense of humor, and make one an astute observer with a keen understanding of human nature.
A person with what has been called a melancholy temperament is fated with an awful burden and what Byron called “a fearful gift”. The burden is sadness and despair. The gift is a capacity for depth and wisdom – even genius.
Do I think Mr. Lincoln was an abused husband? No. Do I think he was homosexual? No. Do I think he was continuously suicidal? No. Do I think he had chronic unipolar depression? Yes.
I’m not surprised that he could write “The fiery trial through which we pass…” For people who suffer (and I do mean suffer) from chronic depression, almost every day of their life is a fiery trial.
OK - lecture's over. I now relinquish the soapbox….
Joined: Mar 20, 2004 Posts: 2519 Location: By the winding Allegheny
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2006 1:56 pm Post subject:
"A person with what has been called a melancholy temperament is fated with an awful burden and what Byron called “a fearful gift”. The burden is sadness and despair. The gift is a capacity for depth and wisdom – even genius. "
Wonderful description of how we might see Mr. Lincoln.
You know, genetics could pass this on ... our neighbor is related to his mother. I have seen that side before.
I think we need to give you at title Linda, you need to step up to your soapbox more often.
Mindy _________________ There is nothing so kingly as kindness; there is nothing so royal as truth.
Joined: Mar 04, 2004 Posts: 4926 Location: Suburb of Philadelphia
Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2006 3:14 pm Post subject:
Ellis wrote:
Do I think Mr. Lincoln was an abused husband? No.
Linda, although you may have more than a passing familiarity with the disease of depression, it is my humble opinion that you just don't know 'Hellcat' _________________ I Remain
Your Ob't Servant
Allan
Time sets all things right. Error lives but a day. Truth is eternal.
A Great Civilization is not Conquered from Without until It has Destroyed Itself from Within
Joined: Mar 14, 2004 Posts: 767 Location: Sitting in a chair
Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2009 9:31 pm Post subject:
Quote:
In July I watched the part about Lincoln's body being stolen in the late 1800's....It was on vacation.
Lincoln's body was on vacation?!
Didn't someone post something on here recently about stuff you've written that you'd rather forget....
yeesh...
Quit dragging up old posts, will ya?
_________________ "There are nights here with the moonlight, cold and ghastly & the whippoorwills & the screech owls alone disturbing the silence when I could tear my hair & cry aloud for all that is past & gone."- Mary Chesnut
Joined: Mar 14, 2004 Posts: 767 Location: Sitting in a chair
Posted: Sun Sep 27, 2009 2:55 pm Post subject:
Well, I don't believe we've ever met and I understand that my sense of humor isn't always clearly understood on a computer screen, so let me try again.
Yes, I knew you meant that you were on vacation - I was merely making a joke.
And I'm sure at some point in your life you've looked back at something you've said/done/written and smack yourself on the forehead and ask yourself "what was I thinking?" and hope it never sees the light of day again.
That's what I meant by my comments there.
I'm sorry to have perturbed you. Continue on, I'm sure you'll find much of interest to discuss here and there many kind, polite, knowledgeable people to chat with.
Best regards, _________________ "There are nights here with the moonlight, cold and ghastly & the whippoorwills & the screech owls alone disturbing the silence when I could tear my hair & cry aloud for all that is past & gone."- Mary Chesnut
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