How to Be More Like George
I recently finished Ron Chernow's epic biography on George Washington. In a lot of works that detail the lives and legacies of great figures of history, we tend to get sanitized versions that focus on their remarkable achievements, while their shortcomings get paved over with the impact of their contributions to history.
In Chernow's account of Washington, he paints an even-handed picture of the man, flaws and all. Peeling back the onion on some of his inadequacies doesn't detract from Washington's legacy; it bolsters it. It's inspiring to know that people who achieve incredible things are not superhuman, but instead share some of the same imperfections and insecurities as you and me.
Washington was not a dynamic public figure or an eloquent speaker. He was taciturn, with a stoic demeanor. He lacked a formal education, a source of insecurity he carried with him until his death (he apologized in his own self-authored, 29-page will, hoping it didn't seem "crude or incorrect" to the reader). He was hyper aware of perception and craved money, status, and fame, particularly in his younger years. He was far from perfect.
He was also an accomplished general, skilled statesman, and national hero, but what made him great in the moment--not in hindsight and through the lens of history--was the manner in which Washington carried himself. The kind of person he was. He was admired by both rivals and supporters for being forthright, honest, respectful, and sober. He was a humble man of moderation, with sound judgement and highly-tuned emotional intelligence, reading people brilliantly in both his personal and political life.
In a lifetime full of legendary acts, the one that is arguably the most meaningful and symbolic of Washington's legacy was his decision to step down from the presidency after 8 years rather than seek to retain the office. Handing the power back to the people rather than hold it for himself elicited both surprise and admiration internationally, with kings, presidents and dignitaries across the globe marveling at the selfless act.
In the simplest terms, George Washington did what he felt was right. He did what he was supposed to do, and he did it because the situation called for it, not necessarily because it benefitted him. In fact, at the height of his fame and power, he yearned for the peace and privacy of a civilian life, but was called to remain in service of the infant nation that still desperately needed him. In a final act of humility, after his death, Washington's body was laid to rest in a communal tomb, where it was impossible to distinguish him from others (it has since been relocated to Mount Vernon).
There's obviously a lot of attention paid to the accomplishments of George Washington, of which there are many. We aren't going to be confronted with similar challenges or opportunities in our lives, so we'll come up short when comparing resumes. But there is a lot to learn from how Washington did what he did. We may not be able to replicate all of Washington's admirable traits, but they certainly seem more attainable than, say, defeating the British Empire, crossing a frigid Delaware River and being elected president, don't they? Honest. Respectful. Forthright. Humble. We can be all of these things. By always keeping these values top of mind, we can act in a manner which will elicit respect and admiration from our friends, family, peers, and rivals.
We're all products of the time and place in which we live. We don't control that. What we do control, however, is how we behave, and ultimately who we are as a person. Who we are when no one is watching, if you will. That part is entirely in our control. In fact, that's our legacy.