"No man made great by death offers more hope to lowly pride than does Abraham Lincoln; for while living he was himself so simple as often to be dubbed a fool"

This quote by Thomas V. Smith is a tribute to the achievement of Abraham Lincoln. Smith is saying that Lincoln's achievement is not just because of his fatality, but also to his humbleness and also simpleness while he was alive. He was so simple that he was often incorrect for a fool. Smith is suggesting that Lincoln's instance of humbleness and success gives expect those that are not in a placement of power or benefit. He is saying that also those that are not in a placement of power can still achieve success, just as Lincoln did. This quote is a suggestion that achievement can be attained via humility as well as hard work, despite one's social status. It is a pointer that anybody can accomplish achievement, regardless of their background.