Jefferson writes of Washington, after slighting his intellect, that "perhaps the strongest feature in his character was prudence, never acting until every circumstance, every consideration was maturely weighed; refraining if he saw a doubt, but, when once decided, going through with his purpose whatever obstacles opposed. his integrity was most pure, his justice the most inflexible I have ever known, no motives of interest or consanguinity, of friendship or hatred, being able to bias his decision. he was indeed, in every sense of the words, a wise, a good, & a great man."
Matt Spalding argues in an essay in this volume that we don't understand Washington anymore because we don't understand prudence or magnanimity anymore:
Great article! Really interested in reading more stories about strongly emotional leaders, whose control of their feelings and impulses lead them to greatness.
I was looking for a source to learn more about history, trying online but you just happened to be answes to my prayers.
Thank you very much! Hope you enjoy! Hopefully I can average more than one post a month, but it's tough with a family and full load of classes.
Jefferson writes of Washington, after slighting his intellect, that "perhaps the strongest feature in his character was prudence, never acting until every circumstance, every consideration was maturely weighed; refraining if he saw a doubt, but, when once decided, going through with his purpose whatever obstacles opposed. his integrity was most pure, his justice the most inflexible I have ever known, no motives of interest or consanguinity, of friendship or hatred, being able to bias his decision. he was indeed, in every sense of the words, a wise, a good, & a great man."
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-07-02-0052
Matt Spalding argues in an essay in this volume that we don't understand Washington anymore because we don't understand prudence or magnanimity anymore:
https://www.google.com/books/edition/Leisure_with_Dignity/nQXsEAAAQBAJ?hl=en
Thanks! Glad I'm working in the right general direction. Appreciate the comment.
Great article! Really interested in reading more stories about strongly emotional leaders, whose control of their feelings and impulses lead them to greatness.
Thanks! Always appreciate your kind words of encouragement.