Joshua Wolf Shenk discusses his biography, “Lincoln’s Melancholy.” He begins with describing Abraham Lincoln’s history of depression and melancholy even as a child. He also talks about Lincoln’s friendship with Joshua F. Speed and how although Speed was quite politically different from Lincoln, the two had a wonderful friendship. Shenk then discusses how melancholy led to Lincoln’s greatness by softening Lincoln’s view of the world, allowing him to have a creative response to adversity, and giving him a deep spiritual sense to help with his suffering. Shenk ends the interview by sharing an anecdote about Lincoln’s last day alive and his general disposition on that day.
Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 - Psychology Presidents - United States - Biography Speed, Joshua F. (Joshua Fry), 1814-1882 Depression in men Depression, Mental
Source
Betacam tape: Excerpt of show with Martinson interviewing Joshua Wolf Shenk before the break and Melinda Blanchard and Robert Blanchard after the break.
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