October 31, 2005
Mr. Lincoln's Hat
...What makes this object precious is purely intangible—its preciousness resides in the meaning we ascribe to it, and that meaning is based on what we know and what we revere. Its preciousness springs from our human nature. One will not find courage in the warp and woof of the silk. One cannot finger nubs of compassion in the felt. You will not discover liberty, equality, or opportunity alloyed with the iron wire that gives this hat its shape. If charity or dignity ever made its leather hatband more pliable, it can only be conjured by someone who feels these things called forth from their own heart, prodded by the memory of a great and humble man who feared praise more than contempt.Posted by Neill Archer Roan at 12:00 PM | Permalink
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