We had the unique experience of visiting the first U.S. president’s plantation (Mt. Vernon
First of all, George Washington was never seeking of power. Moses is described in the Bible as the “most
humble man on Earth”; I believe George Washington must be the second most. At the height of his popularity and influence,
after leading the continental army to victory and independence from the most
powerful nation on Earth, he simply returned home and resumed farming. He could have easily ascended as king of the
new land but insisted that the states attempt to rule themselves. Only six years later, when the confederation
of the states insisted on a single leader to head the federal government under
a new constitution, did he resume his leadership in politics.
Second, George Washington was completely unselfish. During the twenty three years of his career
when he was primarily a farmer he had many innovations. He was way ahead of his time with composting
and crop rotation and new machinery and methods. But every time he had a breakthrough that could
have given him a significant competitive advantage over other farms, instead he
gave away his technology for free. He
believed that those who had the means should voluntarily help those in need,
and thus create an entire community of prosperity and abundance. Today’s system of compulsory altruism would
have been completely foreign to him, wholly illogical and insensible.
Lastly, the requirement of the people for their leaders at
that time was strong character and demonstrated results. It was Washington ’s
integrity, honesty, and proven track record on the battlefield that made him
qualified to be the commander-in-chief (president) of the republic, not his
eloquence of speech or charisma or party affiliation. Washington
became loved because he was respected, not the other way around.
Today was a great education, and a clear reminder of how far we've strayed (on both sides).
You can still post if you want. You know... never ending adventures and all that.
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