Abraham Lincoln is universally regarded as the most revered president in American history. Lincoln ended his first inaugural address as follows: "We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."

 

The Better Angels Declaration of Interdependence:

Our Mission, Vision, and Values in Eight Bullet Points

 

• We share stories about our core values – courage, compassion, continuous learning, community service, and fun.
• We challenge others to fear not, pay attention, think twice, and help the helpers.
• We celebrate education, moral behavior, servant leadership, and good humor.
• We fight against fear, hatred, ignorance, apathy, and greed.
• We choose collaboration over competition, hope over cynicism, harmony over unity.
• We believe that the meek have already inherited the earth.
• We help others help others.
• We trust others to help us help others help others.