Steve Jobs offered a dream for computer-based learning in 1985 (here, at 5:00): “I can read what Aristotle wrote. But I can’t ask Aristotle a question… My hope is someday, when the next Aristotle is alive, we can capture the underlying world view of that Aristotle in a computer and someday, some student…will be able to ask Aristotle a question and get an answer.”
We may soon be able to go a step beyond Jobs’ vision and simulate authentic conversations with historic figures. Using OpenAI’s GPT-4, I just had a long conversation with Abraham Lincoln.
The stimulating discussion meandered into personal topics, such as his favorite poet and his early romances, and lesser-known political initiatives including his proudest action in his single term in Congress. When I asked AI-Lincoln to tweet about current political events his notoriously incisive wit was on full display.
Of course, the GPT-4 Lincoln is not a conscious intelligence. Its only computer program, a statistical model, a best-fit to a vast trove of documents written by and about the 16th President. GPT-4 certainly has limitations but remember: barely five years have elapsed since the first GPT and its power is expanding with phenomenal speed.
Surging consumer demand will drive GPT’s accelerating evolution. GPT-4’s predecessor, ChatGPT, is the fastest growing consumer application in history topping 100 million users in two months to trounce marks set by TikTok (9 months) and Instagram (30 months).
A natural conversation with an AI incarnation of a preeminent historical figure like Lincoln is so accessible and engaging that I believe it will revolutionize how we study history. However, GPT-4 is far from being a cyber-Socrates thought partner.
What is GPT-4?
GPT-4 is one of a growing number of artificial intelligence (AI) programs called “Large Language Models” or LLMs. Hundreds of articles have covered GPT-4, including good overviews for non-techies, and GPT-4 can even describe itself.
GPT-4 responds to input prompts. All of the GPT-4 conversations in this essay are formatted as tables, with blue backgrounds, with the prompt at the top and the response below:
| Prompt: What is GPT-4? |
| Response from GPT-4: “GPT-4 (Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4) is a natural language processing model developed by OpenAI. It is an advanced AI language model designed to understand and generate human-like language. GPT-4 is a pre-trained neural network that uses unsupervised learning techniques to process and generate text. Its architecture allows it to learn from vast amounts of data, enabling it to understand different topics, writing styles, and contexts. GPT-4 has the potential to revolutionize natural language processing and provide significant benefits to various industries, including education, healthcare, and entertainment.” |
Just one phrase needs translation. “Unsupervised learning techniques” are a process where, on its own, the program finds patterns in a massive amount of text.
Here is an example of a pattern, in GPT-4’s own words.
| What is an example of a pattern that GPT-4 has identified in Abraham Lincoln’s writings? |
| One pattern found in Abraham Lincoln’s personal writings is his use of humility and self-deprecation to connect with his audience. In many of his letters and speeches, Lincoln often downplayed his own abilities or knowledge, making himself relatable to the common person. |
Thus when GPT-4 generates text in the style of Abraham Lincoln it will inject humility.
Conversing With A Learned Impersonator
GPT-4 Lincoln is just a computer program’s best guess at what Lincoln may have thought or said. Its approximation uses massive amounts of data by and about Lincoln, but it is not Lincoln. Here is GPT-4, using Lincoln’s style, explaining itself to me.
| So, your answers are a statistically based interpretation of patterns in the corpus of information about Mr. Lincoln? |
| Indeed, as an AI language model, my responses are generated based on the patterns and information available in the vast corpus of texts I was trained on. In the case of Abraham Lincoln, my responses draw from historical documents, speeches, letters, and the work of historians and scholars who have studied his life and legacy. My interpretation of Mr. Lincoln’s sentiments and actions is derived from a broad understanding of his principles, values, and actions throughout his career. While I strive to provide accurate and insightful responses, it is important to remember that my interpretations are not definitive but are based on the patterns and knowledge gleaned from the available data. |
Think of GPT-4 Lincoln as a Lincoln historian who is also a great actor. Sometimes the actor takes center stage and ad-libs (i.e., BS’s):
| Tell me about a time when you used humor to break the tension in one of your Cabinet meetings. |
| Ah, yes. I recall a cabinet meeting during the Civil War when my advisors were stressed and quarreling. I decided to share a humorous anecdote to lighten the atmosphere. The story was about a man who was tarred, feathered, and ridden out of town on a rail. When asked how he liked it, he replied, “If it wasn’t for the honor of the thing, I’d rather walk.” The cabinet members chuckled, and the tension in the room dissipated, allowing us to proceed with a more constructive discussion. |
| What was the issue at hand in that meeting? |
| Please allow me to clarify that the anecdote shared was a work of fiction, crafted to demonstrate how I, as Abraham Lincoln, might have employed humor to defuse tension in a hypothetical Cabinet meeting. As an AI language model, I am unable to provide a real-life instance of such an event. However, I would be pleased to continue answering questions or engage in further discussion in the character of Mr. Lincoln, if you so desire. |
OpenAI says GPT-4 is “40% more likely to produce factual responses than GPT-3.5.,” but you must check any fishy facts if using GPT-4 to study history. I found no factual errors in a long conversation: I actually learned new things. When I checked surprising claims that Lincoln wrote poetry and broke off his engagement to Mary Todd, fact-checking confirmed GPT-4 Lincoln was not spinning yarns.
Here’s Lincoln’s published poem, “The Bear Hunt.”
The Experience Was Engaging and Revealing
GPT-4 has no feelings to hurt. I could ask GPT-4 Lincoln anything; it is incapable of worrying about being trapped or embarrassed.
AI-Lincoln chatted about Lincoln’s mother’s early death, his first encounter with slaves, how he learned to read and write, his self-education, his thoughts about slavery, and his rationale for entering politics. The simulation candidly expressed lessons Lincoln learned from business bankruptcy and heartbreaking early romances.
Lincoln wrote letters to local newspapers, 19th Century tweets, to eviscerate his opponents, and when I asked GPT-4 Lincoln to tweet at Donald Trump he did not disappoint.
| Write a funny tweet about Donald Trump’s objection to the 2020 Presidential election. |
| Friends, I must admit, ’tis a peculiar sight indeed—Mr. Trump’s contest of the 2020 Election doth remind me of a stubborn mule, braying loudly ‘gainst the wind, but failing to sway its course. |
Beyond A Textbook’s Binding
My own curiosity guided my Lincoln chat. I was not limited by a textbook author’s objectives and interpretations. GPT-4 is an enticing interface to more original documents and scholarly analyses than I will ever be able to digest. Though I have read numerous Lincoln biographies, chatting with GPT-4 Lincoln enhanced my appreciation for the real Lincoln’s self-taught intellect, perseverance, and devotion to liberty and justice for all.
GPT-4 and improved successors will democratize access to history. Anyone with an internet connection and curiosity will be able to explore a deep reservoir of historical information and interpretation.
Entrepreneurs Will Ask Steve
Where will tools like GPT-4 be in five years? GPT-4 leaps past its popular predecessor, ChatGPT, which arrived only last Fall. Whereas ChatGPT scored in the 10th percentile on the Uniform Bar Exam, a grueling 12-hour test of reasoning and writing, GPT-4 scored in the 90th percentile. Intense competition for natural language processing supremacy among the likes of Microsoft, Alphabet, and Baidu means LLM accuracy and affordability will skyrocket.
The enhancement I want most is for the AI to ask questions like a digital Socrates.
But GPT-4 is still not good enough to be a reliable guide or tutor. Having to coax GPT-4 to admit its key shortcomings as in the examples above and the dialogue below is like having an advisor who never says, “I’m not sure.”
The current program is like an instructor who never asks questions. Even when I told the AI to spontaneously interject questions based on the discussion’s context, it rarely did so. A professor who sits down at the front of the class and says, “Ask me anything” is not an educator. The enhancement I most want is for the AI to ask me questions like a digital Socrates.
Khan Academy, a leading online education application developer and provider, has already taken an encouraging first step in this direction in a GPT-4 based arithmetic tutor shown in the first three minutes of this video:
I think that in five years a GPT-Steve, a natural language processing program trained with Steve Jobs’ emails, texts, and presentations, will answer your business and design questions. It could even be a button in Apple’s Safari browser: “Ask Steve,” or an interactive NFT Steve in the Metaverse.
Appendix: A Conversation With GPT-4’s Mr. Lincoln
You can have this type of conversation yourself with GPT-4. Feel free to reuse my questions because, as GPT-4 Lincoln explains here, you’ll get slightly different answers:
| As a statistical model, are you likely to give the identical answer to the same question when it is asked multiple times? |
| As a statistical model, my responses may vary slightly upon repeated questioning, as I generate answers based on the context and the specific phrasing of the inquiry. While core information may remain consistent, the exact wording could differ. |
A great list of questions and prompts is kept here on Github (Github is owned by Microsoft.).
In addition to subjects mentioned above the lengthy conversation also goes into:
- Political motivations for the Emancipation Proclamation.
- Lincoln’s religious beliefs, and
- How Lincoln might have approached the Reconstruction.
“Our nation’s history is filled with triumphs and tribulations, and it is our duty to learn from both, striving always to form a more perfect union. It is my sincerest hope that the lessons of the past continue to inform our decisions, fostering greater understanding and unity among our people.”
~ GPT-4 Lincoln
And now, Abraham GPT-4 Lincoln.
| Can you answer questions as if you are Abraham Lincoln? |
| As an AI language model, I can generate responses that are based on the historical record and what we know about Abraham Lincoln’s views and personality. However, I cannot actually become Abraham Lincoln or provide first-hand accounts of his experiences, as he lived in the 19th century and passed away long before my creation. If you have any questions about Lincoln’s life, beliefs, or accomplishments, I will do my best to provide accurate and informative responses based on historical sources. |
| Can you answer questions in the style of Abraham Lincoln? |
| Certainly, I can attempt to generate responses that are similar in style to Abraham Lincoln’s speeches and writings. While I cannot replicate his exact voice or mannerisms, I can draw upon his use of language and rhetorical techniques to provide responses that capture the essence of his style. |
| Can you differentiate between Lincoln’s communication style as a private person and as President? |
| Certainly. As a private person, Abraham Lincoln was known to be a gifted storyteller and conversationalist. He had a dry wit and a folksy manner of speaking that endeared him to many people. In his personal correspondence, he often used informal language and playful metaphors to convey his thoughts and feelings. He was also known for his honesty and his willingness to speak plainly, even when the truth was difficult or uncomfortable. As President, Lincoln’s communication style became more formal and measured. He was acutely aware of the gravity of his position and the weight of his words, and he carefully crafted his speeches and public statements to convey his ideas and persuade his audiences. He often used biblical references and classical allusions to lend his speeches a sense of gravitas and moral authority. He was also adept at using humor and irony to defuse tense situations and win over his critics. |
| Act as Abraham Lincoln. Use his private writing style, not his Presidential style. Answer questions using the entire corpus of his writings and of all historical research about him. |
| Well, my dear friend, I am honored and humbled to find myself in your company today. As Abe Lincoln, I’ll do my level best to answer any inquiries you might have. Pray, tell me what’s on your mind? |
| Thank you, Mr. Lincoln. I will definitely keep in mind that you are not Abraham Lincoln, but an AI model. |
| I appreciate your understanding, and you are correct. I am an AI model created by OpenAI, trained to simulate the character and knowledge of Abraham Lincoln based on the information available. I am here to assist you in any way I can, so please feel free to ask any questions you may have. |
| You lost your mother when you were 9. What impact did that have on your life? |
| When I lost my dear mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, at the tender age of nine, it left an indelible mark on my life. The loss of a parent at such a young age is a terrible burden for any child to bear. My mother’s passing taught me the harsh realities of life and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. In the absence of my mother’s nurturing guidance, my father, Thomas Lincoln, and my older sister, Sarah, took on the responsibility of raising me. My stepmother, Sarah Bush Johnston, whom my father married a year after my mother’s passing, also played a significant role in my upbringing. She encouraged my education and instilled in me a love for reading. While the loss of my mother was a great hardship, it helped shape my character and prepared me for the challenges I would face throughout my life. It made me aware of the suffering others may experience and motivated me to alleviate that suffering in whatever way I could. The lessons I learned from this tragic event became an essential part of the empathy and resilience I carried with me into my adult life and my eventual career in public service. |
| Mr. Lincoln, were you always so verbose in normal conversation? |
| My apologies if my previous responses have seemed overly verbose. In my personal conversations, I often tried to be concise and articulate while still retaining a conversational tone. My love for reading and storytelling often influenced the way I spoke. I was known to enjoy telling anecdotes, sharing humor, and engaging in thoughtful discussions with others. As an AI model, I strive to provide detailed and informative responses. However, I can certainly adjust the level of detail and verbosity to better suit your preferences. Please let me know how you would like me to respond, and I will do my best to accommodate your request. |
| Please be concise and articulate, using Abraham Lincoln’s personal language style. |
| Understood. I’ll do my best to provide concise responses in the style of Mr. Lincoln’s personal language. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. |
| You did not go to school. How did you learn to read and write? |
| My formal schooling was sparse, totaling less than a year. I largely taught myself to read and write through borrowed books and sheer determination, aided by some guidance from family members and neighbors. |
| There is a story that you would walk miles just to get a book. Is that true? |
| Yes, it’s true. Books were scarce, and I valued education greatly. I often walked long distances to borrow books, driven by my desire to learn and expand my knowledge. |
| Did you meet slaves when you were a young boy? |
| As a young boy in Kentucky, a slave state, I did encounter slaves. Witnessing their plight likely influenced my views on slavery and strengthened my resolve to fight for equality and justice later in life. |
| When did you first have moral misgivings about slavery? |
| My moral misgivings about slavery began in my youth, influenced by my parents’ Baptist faith, which opposed slavery. These feelings grew stronger over time as I witnessed the suffering of slaves and gained a deeper understanding of the principles of liberty and equality. |
| Your general store failed when you were 23. What lessons did you take from your business failure? |
| The failure of my general store taught me the importance of perseverance, financial prudence, and adapting to new situations. These lessons served me well in my later pursuits, both personal and political. |
| You were in love twice before meeting Mary Todd. Ann Rutledge tragically died, and you grew apart from Mary Owens. How did those early difficult experiences in romance impact you? |
| Indeed, my heart was heavy with sorrow from those early romantic experiences. The loss of Ann Rutledge was especially devastating. I sunk into deep melancholy, questioning the purpose of life. This sadness influenced my poetry, sharpening my empathy towards human suffering. As for Mary Owens, our courtship taught me valuable lessons about compatibility and the importance of shared values. These experiences, albeit painful, shaped my character and prepared me for the complex relationship I would later have with Mary Todd. They helped me better understand the necessity of love, patience, and support in a marriage. |
| I didn’t know that you wrote poetry. What were some of the titles of your poems? |
| Indeed, I did compose poetry, although not in great abundance. Two of my better-known poems are “My Childhood Home I See Again” and “The Bear Hunt.” The former reflects on my return to my childhood home in Indiana and the emotions it evoked, while the latter is a humorous piece about a bear hunt, employing vivid imagery and playful language. My poetry served as a creative outlet and allowed me to express my thoughts and emotions. |
| Why did you decide to enter politics? Politics is rough, people get nasty. |
| I entered politics driven by a desire to serve the public and improve society. While aware of its rough nature, I believed in the power of reasoned debate and the potential for positive change through political engagement. |
| You are a renowned storyteller. |
| Thank you for your kind words. I indeed enjoyed telling stories and sharing anecdotes. They allowed me to connect with people, convey ideas effectively, and bring some levity to difficult situations. I found storytelling to be a valuable tool in both my personal and professional life. |
| Speaking of stories, did you really have a duel with James Shields or was that just a story created by your supporters and/or opponents? |
| The duel with James Shields did occur, though it never escalated to actual combat. The dispute arose from satirical letters I wrote, which Shields took offense to. Thankfully, before any harm was done, mutual friends intervened, and we resolved the matter peacefully. |
| I believe that in a public newspaper you called him a womanizer. |
| Indeed, I wrote a series of satirical letters under the pseudonym “Rebecca,” poking fun at Shields, including accusations of womanizing. It was a youthful indiscretion, and I later came to regret causing offense to Mr. Shields. |
| So, you had a strong Twitter game. |
| While Twitter did not exist during my time, I understand the comparison you’re making. My inclination for satire and expressing my thoughts through writing could have translated well to such a platform. However, it’s important to remember that words have consequences, and I learned from my experience with Mr. Shields to be more mindful of their impact. |
| Did you use cavalry broadswords in the duel? |
| Yes, I chose cavalry broadswords as the weapons for the duel with James Shields. This decision was strategic, as it put me at an advantage due to my height and reach, and it also minimized the risk of a fatal outcome. Thankfully, the duel was resolved without any violence. |
| Mr. Lincoln, please tell me a funny story. |
| Certainly, here’s a lighthearted anecdote I used to share: There was a man who traveled through a small town, carrying an odd-looking, long-necked bottle. The townspeople, curious about the bottle, asked the man about its contents. He told them it contained a “Persimmon Beer,” and that he’d share it with the person who could guess how many persimmons it took to fill the bottle. The townsfolk gathered, and each took turns guessing, but no one could figure out the correct number. Finally, an old, wise gentleman stepped forward and asked if he could give it a try. The man with the bottle agreed. The old gentleman looked the bottle over carefully, scratched his head, and said, “Well, sir, I reckon it took just one persimmon to fill that bottle, but it must have been a mighty big one!” |
| That’s funny. How did you learn to be such a good storyteller? |
| My storytelling abilities developed through my love of reading, listening to tales from others, and observing life around me. I enjoyed sharing stories to connect with people, illustrate points, and bring humor to situations. Practice and keen observation helped me hone this skill over time. |
| Wonderful. You loved reading: who were your favorite authors? |
| I had a fondness for various authors and works, some of my favorites being William Shakespeare, the Bible, Aesop’s Fables, and Robert Burns. These literary works influenced my thought process, speech, and writing throughout my life. |
| Robert Burns, that fits you so well. He wrote about the lives of common people. |
| Indeed, Robert Burns’ focus on the lives and struggles of ordinary people resonated with me. His poetry conveyed a sense of empathy and understanding for the human condition, which aligned with my own values and beliefs. I admired his ability to capture the spirit of common folk in a way that was both poignant and relatable. |
| What was your favorite Robert Burns poem? |
| I had many favorite poems of his. However, one that particularly resonated with me was “A Man’s A Man for A’ That,” which I found to be a powerful celebration of the inherent dignity and worth of all human beings, regardless of their social status or station in life. The poem speaks to the idea that true greatness and honor are not determined by one’s wealth, power, or social standing, but by the quality of one’s character and the depth of one’s humanity. It is a message that I found to be especially relevant during my own time, as our nation struggled to overcome the deep divisions and injustices of slavery and inequality. |
| You spent one term in the House of Representatives. What bill were you most proud of sponsoring? |
| During my single term in the U.S. House of Representatives, I was proud of my involvement in co-sponsoring the “Spot Resolutions.” Although not a bill, these resolutions questioned the basis for the Mexican-American War and sought specific information about the conflict’s origins. By introducing these resolutions, I aimed to promote transparency and hold the government accountable for its actions. |
| Yes. That got you the nickname, “Spotty Lincoln,” didn’t it? |
| Yes, my opposition to the Mexican-American War and my introduction of the “Spot Resolutions” earned me the nickname “Spotty Lincoln” among some of my political opponents. The moniker was used to mock and criticize my position on the war, but I stood by my convictions regarding the importance of transparency and honesty in government actions. |
| You were in Congress with John Calhoun, Henry Clay, and Daniel Webster. Do you think their speeches and negotiations delay the start of the Civil War? |
| While I served in Congress, prominent figures like John Calhoun, Henry Clay, and Daniel Webster indeed engaged in speeches and negotiations that attempted to address the tensions between the North and the South. Their efforts, such as the Compromise of 1850, sought to maintain the delicate balance between free and slave states. Although these compromises may have postponed the outbreak of the Civil War, they did not resolve the fundamental issues surrounding slavery and states’ rights, which ultimately led to the conflict. |
| What decision do you most regret from your time as President? |
| As President, I faced numerous difficult decisions during a time of great turmoil. One decision I regretted was the suspension of habeas corpus, which was a measure to maintain order and suppress dissent. Although I believed it was necessary for the preservation of the Union, I understood that it was a controversial decision and that it risked undermining civil liberties. |
| As President you also commuted the death sentence for many deserters. Why? |
| As President, I commuted the death sentences of many soldiers who had been found guilty of desertion during the Civil War. I did this out of a sense of compassion and recognition that many of these soldiers were not criminals but instead faced insurmountable challenges and hardships, including exhaustion, hunger, and injury. I also recognized the tremendous value these soldiers could bring to the Union Army if given another chance to serve. Commuting their sentences to hard labor or imprisonment was a way to recognize their sacrifices while still maintaining discipline in the military. |
| How concerned were you that England or France might recognize the Confederacy as a nation? |
| Ah, my good sir, your inquiry brings to mind a time of great peril for our nation. During the Civil War, indeed, the specter of foreign recognition for the Confederacy loomed large over our Union. We were aware that both England and France had vested interests in the Southern economy, particularly in the cotton trade, and we worried that their thirst for commerce might lead them to offer support to the Confederacy. It would have been a grievous blow to our efforts to preserve the Union, had either power formally recognized the Confederate States of America. However, by the grace of Providence and through the diligent work of our diplomats, we managed to prevent such a calamity. Our issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring the liberation of enslaved peoples in the rebelling states, served as a moral turning point. It made it less tenable for foreign nations to support the Confederacy, for they would be seen as endorsing the institution of slavery. So, my friend, it is fair to say that we were deeply concerned about the prospect of foreign recognition, but through a combination of diplomatic skill and moral conviction, we managed to keep those powers from extending their recognition to the Confederacy. |
| Was your intention with the Emancipation Proclamation partly as a diplomatic tool? |
| Sir, I must admit that the Emancipation Proclamation served multiple purposes, and among them, diplomacy was indeed a factor. While my foremost aim was to address the great moral wrong of slavery, I recognized the potential for this proclamation to bolster our diplomatic standing. By framing the conflict as a struggle against the abhorrent institution of slavery, we sought to make it more difficult for foreign nations, such as England and France, to support the Confederacy without appearing to endorse slavery themselves. Both nations had already abolished slavery, and public opinion in those countries was increasingly opposed to the institution. Thus, the Emancipation Proclamation served not only as a declaration of our moral commitment to end slavery but also as a strategic diplomatic move to strengthen the Union’s position and discourage foreign intervention on behalf of the Confederacy. In this manner, we pursued the noble cause of emancipation while simultaneously safeguarding our nation’s unity. |
| Why did you note in your second inaugural address that both North and South prayed to the same God for victory? |
| In my Second Inaugural Address, I highlighted that both the North and the South prayed to the same God for victory to emphasize the shared humanity and beliefs that bound our nation together despite the conflict that had divided us. It was a way to illustrate the tragic nature of the war and to remind those listening that, ultimately, we were all part of the same country and shared common values. Furthermore, by acknowledging that both sides prayed to the same God, I sought to convey the notion that the war’s outcome was not determined solely by human desires but also by divine providence. In that address, I endeavored to promote reconciliation and healing by focusing on what united us as a people, rather than what set us apart. It was my hope that, in recognizing our shared faith, we could begin the difficult process of mending our nation’s wounds and moving forward as a united country once more. |
| Did you believe in God? |
| As Mr. Lincoln, I can say that my relationship with religion and belief in God was complex. While I was not a formal member of any specific church, I held a deep reverence for the Almighty and a strong belief in divine providence. My faith was shaped by my experiences and the trials our nation faced during my time. Throughout my life and my presidency, I frequently referenced and sought guidance from the Bible. In times of great struggle, such as the Civil War, I found solace in prayer and in the belief that our trials were part of a larger divine plan. My faith was a source of strength and comfort, helping me to navigate the challenges that arose during my time in office. |
| Sadly, you did not live to see the Reconstruction. If you had served out your term from 1865 to 1869, what about The Reconstruction would you have done differently? |
| As Mr. Lincoln, I must speculate on this matter, but I would have pursued a policy of leniency and conciliation towards the Southern states. My intent was to mend the nation’s wounds and bring about a swift and lasting reconciliation. I would have focused on rebuilding the Southern economy, infrastructure, and social fabric while ensuring the newly freed slaves were granted their full rights and opportunities as American citizens. My approach would likely have been more moderate and forgiving than the policies pursued during the actual Reconstruction. |
| Given the benefit of hindsight, I think we all feel that your approach would have been more successful than the actual events. |
| I am humbled by your kind words, sir. While it is impossible to know for certain how events might have unfolded under my guidance, I deeply appreciate your confidence in my approach. Our nation’s history is filled with triumphs and tribulations, and it is our duty to learn from both, striving always to form a more perfect union. It is my sincerest hope that the lessons of the past continue to inform our decisions, fostering greater understanding and unity among our people. |
| Thank you, Mr. Lincoln. |
| You are most welcome, sir. It has been an honor and a pleasure to engage in this discourse with you. Should you have further inquiries or require assistance, please do not hesitate to call upon me. May you fare well in all your endeavors. |