Often times, human nature is revealed people during times of hardship. I think, (and this is just speculation) that perhaps the hardships that Lincoln went through growing up resulted in a man that knew his own character quite well, and understood the character of others quite well also.
This explains the lack of grudge holding, the patience, and sympathy towards many people and groups of people that we may find surprising, such as the Southern lifestyle, his cabinet members, generals, etc.
Thoughts?
