Free Audio Book : Differ We Must, By Steve Inskeep

In the turbulent year of 1855, as the United States grappled with the contentious issue of slavery, the attorney Abraham Lincoln penned a letter to a dear friend, whose father owned slaves in Kentucky. Lincoln criticized his friend for not taking a stand against slavery but also remarked, “If this is where we part ways, then so be it,” pledging eternal friendship. Throughout his existence and political journey, Lincoln was no stranger to disagreement. He believed that the essence of democracy lay in accepting differences, given that even a rival had the right to vote. The iconic sixteenth president of America is celebrated for various reasons, but chiefly as a fearless political figure. Steve Inskeep suggests that it was Lincoln's aptitude for politics—engaging with detractors and sometimes collaborating or outmaneuvering them—that enabled him to spearhead transformative change.

In the book, Differ We Must, Inskeep delves into Lincoln’s life by examining sixteen distinct interactions, with some being lesser-known than others, but all carrying profound insights. In each of these encounters, Lincoln engaged with someone whose views diverged from his, and both parties had their respective expectations. While Lincoln might not have always swayed his adversaries—some of whom waged war against him—he mastered the art of turning his convictions into tangible actions. His sense of humor, self-deprecating remarks, and sharp wit characterized his interactions, but beneath it all lay a profound raconteur who was judicious in his communication. Lincoln was acutely aware of his boundaries and, as subsequent events illustrated, he excelled in prioritizing. Many of his remarkable accomplishments were born out of interactions with those who contested his views, underscoring how these engagements shaped the Lincoln we celebrate today.

Steve Inskeep, with his nearly two-decade stint as the presenter of NPR’s Morning Edition, has honed the craft of bridging disagreements and fostering meaningful discussions. In Differ We Must, he channels this expertise to shed light on a bygone master, offering a rejuvenated narrative of Lincoln’s existence. Through meticulous detail and insightful observations, Inskeep deepens our grasp of a leader who remained true to his ethical beliefs amidst potent political adversaries, and rose from the ranks of the minority party to not just lead the majority, but also to amalgamate a divided nation.