It’s human nature to keep our eyes set on what’s next. We focus on the coming movement in culture and how we can get there first. This mindset hinders us from looking to our past and learning valuable lessons from the people who carved the path for our current society. Because there have been key leaders and acts in our history that have helped and hurt us, it’s important to look back on history and see how the past can shape our future. While there are numerous influential leaders in our past, we have comprised a list of historical leaders who can teach us lessons today.

Jesus – Power of Actions

Whether or not you believe Jesus is God in human form, he’s had an impact on people for centuries. We can read the Bible and look at Jesus’s actions as the foundation of how to love people today as we see violence and constant pushback. Although Jesus was faced with people who fought against and beat him, his actions showed grace and love. We see a lot of individuals fighting for equality with riots, violence, and harsh words. Today, Jesus could look at us and teach us compassion: [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”#75bfea” class=”” size=””]“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9.[/perfectpullquote]Learning compassion would transform how we approach inequality and search for new ways of bringing human rights to every person. It would change how we appreciate the lives of those we interact with and disagree with.

 

Winston Churchill – Power of Words

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”#75bfea” class=”” size=””]“In the course of my life I have often had to eat my words, and I must confess that I have always found it a wholesome diet.”[/perfectpullquote] Arguably, Churchill’s war tactics did not reflect great leadership skills; however, his words clearly had power. There are many leaders today who do not understand the power of their own speech. Not only does technology makes speaking easy, it also makes it difficult to forget what’s been said. Our current news is filled with resurrected comments from years ago. These comments tarnish reputations and halt the growth of influencers around the world. Churchill can teach us how to think before we speak and measure the influence our words can have.

President Abraham Lincoln – Power of Believing in Others

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”#75bfea” class=”” size=””]“Stand with anybody that stands right. Stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong.” —Speech at Peoria, Illinois, October 16, 1854[/perfectpullquote] Lincoln was a promoter of people. He believed in others regardless of their class, skin color, gender, etc. Although his presidency is mostly famous for the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln consistently gave credit where it was due and supported those who stood for what was right. He didn’t simply support those around him but he grew close to them pursuing relationships with as many people as possible.