67th Edition
I recently read a biography of George Washington by the incomparable Ron Chernow. If you want to understand the essence of our first president, I highly recommend this book. When I read such books I tend to do two things. First, I try to put myself back in that particular time and wonder how I would have reacted to certain memorable events. Would I have made a good pioneer? Would I have survived the brutal winter at Valley Forge? Would I have voted for John Adams or Thomas Jefferson in the presidential election of 1800?
Second, I try to imagine how the characters would fare if they were in their same respective positions today. Would Washington, Adams, or Jefferson make a good president today? Perhaps someday time travel will be possible. Wouldn’t that be something? Until then history can lead us toward a better future, but only if we have to understand it in a thorough and comprehensive way.
Chernow’s biography of Washington is 817 pages, it would be ludicrous to try to summarize it in a short blog, but let me offer a couple observations that might resonate if you believe that history can play an important role as we strive to overcome today’s challenges. On the last day of his second term, Washington stated in a letter to Jonathan Trumbull, “I trust that the good sense of our countrymen will guard the public will against this and every other innovation and that although we may be a little wrong now and then, we shall return to the right path with more avidity.” Through all the trials and tribulations that Washington faced as the Commander of the Continental Army and as the first President of the United States, he never lost his faith in nor his great love for the people. Washington maintained these virtues despite enduring relentless personal attacks by his enemies and critics throughout his many years of public service. He understood his destiny and accepted it. Not always willingly, but more often than not he rose to the occasion and produced his best when his country needed his best. That, in short, is the bottom line for me when reflecting on this truly great man.
Back to one of my original questions… Would I have been a good pioneer? In Washington’s day, the “northwest territory” was the eventual state of Ohio. The concept of Michigan being “that state up north” was a century away. Pioneers back then had to be fearless, resourceful, able to tolerate hardships like foul weather, lack of food, and shelter. What drove these men to journey into the unknown? It is easy to romanticize the lives of early pioneers or explorers. Obviously they endured all kinds of hardships and physical challenges. But still, adventure is good for the soul. Being too comfortable slowly erodes our resourcefulness. It inhibits the deepening of our faith in other people and in our creator. Pioneers, in essence, embrace vulnerability and uncertainty. That, too, can be good for the soul.
How can we be pioneers today? With all the navigation, cell phones, and inescapable technology, is it even possible to be a pioneer today? It has to be. It is what gives life meaning. When we challenge conventionality, and overcome adversity, our character is forged. Meanwhile, there is so much yet to be discovered about our world, ourselves, and God’s divine plan. I’m wondering if our biggest challenge to becoming pioneers today is that we are too comfortable being comfortable.
It seems apparent today that we are struggling with our understanding of American history. While it is natural and quite appropriate to revise historical accounts as research uncovers new information, we should strive to be thorough and relatively objective in this process. In his bibliography Chernow lists over 100 books and over 50 articles. His conclusions and viewpoints ring with authority because of his exhaustive research. My sense is today we have lost our affinity for research. It’s much easier to tweet or post our opinions and feelings without pausing for deeper reflection.
Without thorough research, we draw inaccurate conclusions, and we relinquish objectivity. We also become more prone to ignore the totality of a person’s life and instead concentrate on components that support preconceived narratives. If we do this in the realm of our own history, we will lose the lessons of the past and be doomed to repeat mistakes that might have been avoided had we utilized a comprehensive historical perspective.
Last question… Would Washington, Adams, or Jefferson make a good president today? Yes, yes, and yes. All had unique abilities. All were flawed. I probably should do a lot more research before adding additional commentary. I wonder what wisdom I might uncover in this process that might help me in life… Maybe even help me be a present-day pioneer, or at least a better citizen of this remarkable republic.
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Michael Kayes
*These views are my personal opinions and are not the viewpoints of any company or organization.