When people are asked to identify which president they feel had the greatest impact on our history, Lincoln's name consistently comes up. But why? Lincoln had little formal education and did not serve in public office but for brief periods prior to becoming president. In short, based on his background, Lincoln would not seem to be someone likely to succeed as President. Yet his innate wisdom and humanity made him one of the greatest of the nation's Chief Executives. He was an exceptional administrator, and an admirable commander in chief wh ....