Washington maintained his dignity and sense of honor while providing leadership in the most tumultuous and tenuous years of our nation’s childhood. He strove to bolster the newly born republican institutions and to build public trust in government while leading his army through years of defeat and deprivation.
General Washington, amongst his manifold achievements in life, removed any doubt in the mind of man that there is strength in humility. Washington wrote extensively during his entire career and one particular letter written to Henry Laurens on January 31, 1778 leapt from the pages to my heart last evening.
Washington was regularly under fire from Congress and early January 1778 was no exception. He wrote after being warned by Mr. Laurens of enemies seeking his demise: “I was not unapprized that a malignant faction had been for some time forming to my prejudice; which, conscious as I am of having ever done all in my power to answer the important purposes of trust reposed in me, could not but give me some pain on a personal account; but my chief concern arises from an apprehension of the dangerous consequences, which intestine dissentions may produce to the common cause.” Isn’t his writing beautiful?
Washington continues: “My Heart tells me it has been my unremitted aim to do the best circumstances would permit; yet, I may have been very often mistaken in my judgment of the means, and may, in many instances, deserve the imputation of error.” Again, isn’t his writing lovely? How often I wish I could have clothed my thoughts and feelings with words so perfectly chosen and arranged!
There is no harm in always leaving room for the possibility that your perspective may be limited, even if you have done your very best. Humility averts the pitfalls of hubris, prejudice and fanaticism. Humility is the harbinger of nobility and dignity. In true humility lies a fountain of inexhaustible strength and determination.
Washington revealed that he knew of the waters of the fountain of humility through his writings, his words and his actions. What harm is there in allowing for the possibility that you may have been wrong, in everything you do? Some fear that their enemies will gain advantage as humility is often perceived to be akin to weakness, but true humility has nothing to do with weakness.
Humility is not self-deprecation. Humility is not assuming a lowly posture to give the appearance of meekness. True humility is both revealed and strengthened by an unwavering sense of self, a flexible confidence in one’s abilities and perspective and an assurance in action as your best foot is put forward.
Think of ways you can open the door to a more refined expression of humility through you. “If my perspective is correct…,” “I may not be seeing the whole picture but my impression is that…” and “Here is what I think we should do. Do you see a more effective approach?” can gradually replace the inflexible, inconsiderate, immoderate and fanatical approaches that tend to be taken when opinions are voiced and tempers flare.
Be willing to accept correction gracefully and graciously, place great value on the perspective of others and harness the power of humility. Naught but blessing will come of it!
Gregory Hake 
ever notice how GW was never painted with a toothy smile?
he lost most all of his teeth at an early age and had dentures – can’t imagine what they used for dentures back then but he was self conscious so didn’t show his teeth when he smiled…
he actually had to work to keep his mouth closed because of the spring on the dentures would pop his mouth open otherwise.
don’t imagine people judged him because of his teeth but rather the quality of his character
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Lack of true and honest humility is certainly lacking in most people today. You see it in the scientific world where a hypothesis is made and generally speaking scientists will only consider evidence that confirms their hypothesis rather than taking everything into consideration and admit when the hypothesis was wrong. True scientific investigation doesn’t expect a certain outcome, it just poses the question and evaluates all evidence to either confirm or refute the hypothesis. This is just one example, but it seems to be a human tendency in this day. The important thing here is to take this to heart at a personal level and true humility will pave the way for great discovery and huge personal growth. I appreciate this and it echos what we all look for in our hearts. Thanks for the post, Gregg!
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Sometimes I wonder if our country’s current leaders share this character trait with George Washington. It’s hard to say what anyone feels in their heart, but it appears that the hard line of “I’m right and you’re wrong” is currently polarizing much of the world. With this post on humility and your other post on simplicity, it sure seems like the knife that could cut the Gordian Knot of our current problems is easily attainable.
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A few years ago I read “1776” by David McCullough. A great read, this book brought George Washington to life for me, not as some far removed historical figure but as an ordinary man in an extraordinary job where ultimately his character proved more important than his lack of military and political experience. I do agree that humility, with the foundational character attributes such as courage, integrity and perseverance, helped him to succeed when the odds were against him. With humility he was able to learn from the experience of his mistakes. With humility he possessed the insight and the timing to do the right thing at the right time. Perhaps the greatest evidence to me of his humility as detailed in “1776” was his unfaltering thankfulness and credit to God for their “good fortunes” in the midst of dire circumstances. Most curse much, much less dismal conditions on a daily basis. That really speaks to me of his character, and highlights about a zillion areas I can start exercising a little humility myself!
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I came across this quote which I thought fitting in light of your recent posts – “True humility is contentment.” Of course, behind true humility is strength of character. And there you have the key to contentment in the midst of even the most unsavory circumstances!
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The amazing leadership of George Washington should make us all humble. Chances are that most of us will never come close to experiencing the extreme challenges which he and others did in the process of building our great nation. The least I can do in my present circumstances is open myself to the same “fountain of humility.” It’s a tremendous starting point following yesterday’s post on character, and a great choice for a model of character.
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After reading a few books on the “Founding Fathers” I’m sad that our schools don’t offer more depth of study about these amazing men.
Washington’s life in particular could be a complete subject to study, especially to illustrate to young people an example of well rounded success.
His balanced, kind, decisive and dedicated actions are worthy of understanding. It is a story with all the drama, triumph and tragedy that people look for in novels.
The “I can not tell a lie” is great as a beginning for primary grades but understanding the man who was a husband, son, devoted father parenting beloved stepchildren, friend, business man, employer, soldier, leader and private citizen is one that will resound in your heart forever. You’ll understand the fullness of why he was affectionately called” the father of our country”.
Gregg, your observations on the difference his humility made could be the beginning of a book on how that quality influenced his numerous decisions. He had many crossroads before he became a public figure. His extraordinary life, like everyones, was a series of choices. Adding the great liberator, humility, was probably one of the keys to his being able to unite such diverse people, gain access to ideas and be able to create the assembly that brought this blessed country together.
Thanks!
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Thank you for your sharing your heart realtive to humility and sharing such amazing worlds from a man who had such an impact on not only our country, but all of history. I believe for anyone to be a true leader, you have to have respect and humility relative to the views of others. Can we all be willing to say we might be wrong in our views? Our we willing to make the corrections needed to take on new perspectives? I look forward to chalenging myself in this area. Thank you
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The story of George Washington’s life is one of my favorites, and indeed we are indebted to his strength, determination and graciousness which made him a humble and yet wise and effective leader. Thank you for presenting his story and the stories of so many others on your blog with the obvious humility and respect you yourself have for their lives and the challenges they have faced.
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