Are leaders born or made? 

Where does ambition come from? Do the times make the leader, or does the leader shape the times? This book examines the lives of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson to answer important questions about leadership.

Ambition and the Recognition of Leadership

Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln was twenty-three years old when he first ran for a seat in the Illinois state legislature. He grew up poor, lost his mother at nine, and developed a love of learning. He was a great storyteller, an attribute that made him popular. Though he lost his first election, he remained confident and won two years later. He quickly became a respected leader in the legislature, worked on internal improvements, helped move the capital, and became a practising lawyer.

Theodore Roosevelt
Roosevelt entered politics at twenty-three, despite growing up as a sickly child. He compensated for his poor health by developing his intellectual and physical strength. At Harvard, he expanded his interests and sharpened his social skills. After his father’s death, Roosevelt decided to pursue politics as a way to fight for the public good. He had fierce drive and quickly found his calling.

Franklin Roosevelt
Franklin entered politics later, at twenty-eight. He had a stable childhood, which allowed his natural charm and ambition to flourish. As an only child, he was accustomed to being the centre of attention. After his father died, Franklin took responsibility for his family and developed leadership skills through university activities. He later became a lawyer but aimed for the presidency, which he achieved through long-term ambition and directed energy.

Lyndon Johnson
From childhood, Lyndon admired his father’s political ambitions. Though his home life was difficult, he cultivated his storytelling abilities from a young age. He worked for his college president and took a break to serve as a principal, displaying strong leadership. He believed storytelling was key to public speaking. In 1935, he became director of the Texas National Youth Administration, and by 1937, he had secured a seat in the House of Representatives, becoming Franklin Roosevelt’s protégé.

Adversity and Growth

Abraham Lincoln
In 1840, Lincoln suffered a severe depression, resigning from the legislature and calling off his engagement. Over the next ten years, he rebuilt his life, returning to politics and refocusing on law. The passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act reignited his passion, leading to debates that propelled him into the presidency in 1861.
Theodore Roosevelt
At twenty-six, Roosevelt lost both his mother and wife on the same day. Initially, he immersed himself in work but later retreated to a cattle ranch in Dakota. Two years later, he returned stronger, engaging in public service as police commissioner, then as a military leader. In 1898, he won the gubernatorial race, moving to the vice presidency and then becoming the youngest U.S. president after McKinley’s assassination.
Franklin Roosevelt
In 1921, Roosevelt contracted polio and was bedridden for weeks. He was told he would never walk again, but through sheer determination, he slowly regained mobility. His perseverance helped him later in the presidency. In 1928, he became governor of New York, implementing relief programs during the Great Depression. In 1932, he won the presidency, ushering in major reforms.
Lyndon Johnson
In 1941, Johnson lost a Senate race, causing a deep depression. He returned to the House but tried again in 1948 and won by a slim margin. Shortly after, he suffered a heart attack. Encouraged by public support, he returned stronger, passing a significant civil rights bill. Later, he became vice president under Kennedy, stepping into the presidency after Kennedy’s assassination.

The Leader and the Times: How They Led

Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln took office as the nation teetered on the brink of civil war. He built a cabinet of strong, independent thinkers and carefully navigated political divisions. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation, exercised patience and self-discipline, controlled his anger, and maintained a broad perspective while handling immense pressures.
Theodore Roosevelt
Roosevelt's leadership style was bold and direct. His handling of the Great Coal Strike of 1902 demonstrated his crisis management skills. He calculated risks, gathered facts, consulted history, and assembled a crisis team. He framed narratives effectively, remained visible to the public, and adjusted strategies as needed.
Franklin Roosevelt
Taking office during the Great Depression, Roosevelt restored national morale through clear communication and decisive action. His first hundred days set the foundation for economic recovery. He balanced realism with optimism, built a competent team, and introduced flexible policies to handle evolving challenges.
Lyndon Johnson
Johnson assumed office after Kennedy’s assassination. He quickly focused on two key issues: civil rights and economic stimulus. He simplified his agenda, honoured commitments, mastered storytelling, and took strategic risks. He set a compelling vision, engaged stakeholders, and celebrated achievements to create momentum.

Conclusion

Goodwin’s book highlights how ambition, adversity, and response to crises shape great leaders. Lincoln, Roosevelt (both Theodore and Franklin), and Johnson each faced personal and political challenges, yet their resilience, adaptability, and strategic decision-making helped them navigate turbulent times. 

The lessons from their leadership remain relevant for anyone seeking to lead in difficult circumstances today.