Lincoln is a model of fostering strengths and avoiding weaknesses. On the one hand, he can foster strengths and avoid weaknesses for himself; On the other hand, he can be kind to others. First, to yourself: Lincoln's ugly appearance is a disadvantage in the election, but every time someone attacks him on this topic, he can take the opportunity to show his wisdom and humor, such as-him and Stephen? Douglas ran for president together. During the debate, Douglas accused Lincoln of being a two-faced man with two faces. Hearing this, Lincoln replied unhurriedly, "If I had two faces, would I still wear them?" His self-deprecating courage immediately won unanimous applause from the audience. Also during the campaign, his poor background put him at a disadvantage, but he used this feature to narrow the distance with middle and lower class voters. -Lincoln doesn't have a car. He bought a ticket to ride, and at every stop, his friends prepared an ordinary carriage for him. In his campaign speech, he said, "Someone wrote to ask me how much property I have? I have a wife and three sons, all priceless. In addition, I rented an office with a desk, three chairs and a big bookshelf in the corner. Every book on the shelf is worth reading carefully. I am poor and thin, with a long face. I really have nothing to rely on. The only thing I can rely on is you. " With this gift, Lincoln became the president of the United States, but he was challenged by a new challenge-the American Civil War. 196 1 After the American Civil War broke out, Lincoln appointed three or four generals. At that time, according to the traditional so-called "perfect man" standard, he asked all generals not to have shortcomings. To his surprise, however, every "flawless" general of the Union Army was defeated by the South Army. Later, Lincoln summed up the lesson, replaced some generals, and announced the appointment of Grant as commander-in-chief. His people were very worried, and privately advised him, "Grant is a heavy drinker, so it is difficult to be a big official." But Lincoln has realized from the mistakes in using generals in the past that the selection of generals should not only be "seamless", but also be based on their unique military talents. Although Grant has the shortcomings of drinking in his life, he also has extraordinary military command ability, which is his main aspect. So, he replied, "If I know what wine he has, I'd like to send him some barrels." Historical facts have proved that Grant's use as commander-in-chief played an important role in defeating the Confederate army, abolishing slavery and pacifying civil strife. Lincoln's employment decision can be said to have grasped the mainstream and essence of things. For Grant, Lincoln was well aware of his own advantages and disadvantages. Under the circumstances at that time, Grant's outstanding military talents were very rare and urgently needed by the overall situation. Of course, drinking is a bad habit, but it is only a secondary aspect, which can be induced and cannot be delayed. Lincoln made full use of his strengths and avoided his weaknesses, knowing people well and being good at their duties, which greatly mobilized the final victory of the Civil War.