Story Summary
Discover the inspiring story of Lincoln Walks Miles to Return a Book. Learn how young Abraham Lincoln’s honesty and hard work defined his legendary character.
In the rugged wilderness of Indiana, young Abraham Lincoln possessed a hunger for knowledge that far surpassed his meager means. He managed to borrow a precious copy of 'The Life of George Washington' from a neighbor named Josiah Crawford. One night, a sudden storm sent rain leaking through the chinks of the Lincoln family’s log cabin, soaking the book as it lay by Abe's bedside. Devastated by the damage to property that wasn't his, Lincoln did not hide the accident. He walked miles to Crawford’s farm, showed him the ruined pages, and offered to work to make amends. For three long days, Lincoln pulled corn fodder in Crawford’s fields until the debt was satisfied. His refusal to shirk responsibility, even for an accident, cemented his reputation for the unwavering honesty that would eventually define his presidency.
The Moral
True integrity is taking full responsibility for your actions and making things right, regardless of the effort required.
“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true.”
Fun Fact
Lincoln's thirst for reading was so intense that he was known to walk over twenty miles just to borrow a single book he hadn't yet read.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Lincoln Walks Miles to Return a Book?
The moral is that honesty and integrity are shown through taking responsibility. Lincoln chose to work hard to repay a debt rather than making excuses for an accident.
Which book did Abraham Lincoln ruin and have to pay for?
The book was 'The Life of George Washington' by Mason Locke Weems, which was one of the few books available to Lincoln in the frontier wilderness.
Who did Lincoln borrow the book from?
He borrowed the book from a local farmer and neighbor named Josiah Crawford, who lived near the Lincoln family in Indiana.
How did the book get ruined?
Lincoln left the book in a crack between the logs of his cabin for safekeeping, but a heavy rainstorm soaked the volume through the gaps in the wall overnight.
What kind of work did Lincoln do to pay for the book?
Lincoln performed three days of hard physical labor pulling corn fodder in Josiah Crawford's fields to compensate for the damaged book.
Is the story of Lincoln returning the book a true historical event?
Yes, this is a well-documented anecdote from Lincoln's youth that biographers use to illustrate the early development of his 'Honest Abe' persona.
