But, in a larger sense, . . .
24 hours into launching this blog, I have decided to change
its title to “But, in a larger sense, . . .”
Spoken by Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863 in Gettysburg,
these 5 words mark the beginning of the third and final paragraph of his
address to dedicate the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. For about three years now, I haven’t been able
to stop thinking about those 5 words.
The speech consists of 3 paragraphs. The first one
summarizes the past. The second one describes the present. The third paragraph makes
sense of the future. Taken together, this could simply be seen as good
structure for making a case.
The 5 words, however, are where the magic lies.
By using “But, in a
larger sense”, Lincoln breaks the case by zooming out. Making sense of the
Civil War, an indescribably brutal and trying challenge for a young nation, happens
through broadening of context. About one hundred years later, scientific research
by Economics Nobel laureate Herb Simon proved that a problem well represented
is a problem half solved. Lincoln was able to solve the problem by representing
it in its proper context.
But, in a larger sense, … shall be the guiding wisdom of
this blog.
