He said, “Mr Lincoln, be not taken up by the praise and applause of some members here in the Parliament. I wish to remind you of your past, especially your life of abject poverty. Remember that the shoes made by your father is still on my heels.” The man’s intention was fulfilled. He humiliated the President in public, speaking about his father’s profession and his childhood life of struggle.
Everyone in the Parliament expected an outbreak of emotions from Lincoln. But President was least perturbed. He replied coolly to the Senator, “Friend, it is quite a long time since my father passed away. But I am proud that you still wear the shoes he made. Does it not show that he was a great and noble cobbler who could make shoes that last for decades? I feel proud to be born of such a great worker. When your shoes are worn out give them to me. I shall mend them for you. I know very well that job too. I know well to shine or mend shoes and to rule the country. And an important thing is that I know both perfectly well.”
Emotional outbreaks are destructive and counter-productive, while effective handling of emotions create healthy and growth-inspiring atmosphere.
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