Abraham Lincoln is one of the most revered presidents in United States history.

He led the country through some of its darkest times, and is remembered for his wisdom and compassion.

He was also born more than 2 centuries ago. So does that make him a relic of a bygone era?

Absolutely not. 

Abraham Lincoln remains relevant today—we'd argue more relevant than ever. Here are four reasons why...

He was born in humble circumstances

Lincoln was born in a one-room log cabin in Kentucky. Hardly the noble birth you'd expect of America's greatest President.

Born into a world that didn't understand him or care about his dreams, he had little formal education. 

And yet through sheer grit and determination, he became one of the most respected leaders in the world.

His story is one of resilience and perseverance—an inspiration to anyone who feels like they're stuck in a difficult situation. It proves that with old-fashioned hard work and determination, the human spirit can carve a path to any goal.

And that lesson is every bit as relevant today as it was 200 years ago.

He was somewhere between Republican and Democrat

Abraham Lincoln was one of the first Republican presidents.

But with that said, his views were a lot more moderate than a certain yellow-haired Republican of recent infamy.

He believed in a strong central government and was in favor of federal assistance for things like infrastructure and education.

Interestingly—and famously—he was also a leading champion of civil rights, which were not always popular among Republicans at the time.

Lincoln's willingness to cross party lines and work with those he disagreed with is something we could all stand to learn from today.

In a time when partisanship seems to be at an all-time high, it's more important than ever that we find common ground with those who think differently than us.

He believed in people

Lincoln believed in the power of redemption and second chances.

This is perhaps best summed up in his Second Inaugural Address, in which he said: "With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds."

Amen.

Lincoln understood that people are capable of change—even those who seem like our enemies. He also knew that progress comes from working together instead of against each other.

This message is just as important today as it was in his time. Whatever your political views, we could all stand to be a little more forgiving.

His values are what made him great

Old Abe was a man of integrity and honesty. 

Kind and compassionate, but also firm in his convictions.

He always strived to do what he thought was right, even when it wasn't popular or easy.

But Lincoln didn't "own" those values. They're attitudes of mind values that you and I are free to adopt as we wish.

If Lincoln were alive today, there's no doubt that his integrity and honesty would drive him to continue the fight for social justice and equality.

He would inspire us with his stories of resilience and perseverance. And he would remind us of the importance of working together, regardless of our differences.

In short (or in tall—he stood at a lanky 6'4") Abraham Lincoln is still just as relevant today as he was in the mid-1800s.

He had a spirit that didn't belong to a particular time—one with a timeless power to make the world a better place if we can carry it into our own lives; in the present day and far beyond.

Our famous Abraham Lincoln poster is our little tribute to that timeless spirit. 

Whether the task at hand is work, study, or something else… We hope seeing his wizened old eyes gazing down on you will inspire you to give it your very best.