George Washington's Qualities

“I, George Washington, do solemnly swear to faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, so help me God.” (Washington Documents) These are the words that George Washington almost whispered at his presidential inauguration. Washington was not a person to bloat. His humbleness was just one of the qualities that made him an effective leader. Though an effective leader, it took a lot to become someone to earn that title. When the French and the British fought for control of the land now known as America, Washington wasn’t the man who he was when he became president. He was a young soldier who fought with the British. During …show more content…
However, a lot of people can be. It takes a man to be humble. “In his First Inaugural Address, Washington noted that, “I was summoned by my Country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love.” As such, the first President reflected a Statesman more than reflecting a Politician. Perhaps the most significant difference between a “statesman” and a politician is that the former wished to serve his country; the latter is more interested in serving himself at the expense of the country. Indeed, even when the opportunity presented itself, Washington was quick to decline from accepting “any share in the personal emoluments” or monetary gains for himself.” (westernjournalism.com) Washington didn’t care about being powerful at all. What he did was for his country, never for himself. Not only in this situation he showed how humble he was, but also when he was appointed commander-in-chief of the continental army. “The Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, appointed Washington commander‐in‐chief of the Continental Army. He accepts, saying, “I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room, that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with.” He asks for reimbursement of expenses, but he will not take any pay.” (Timeline of George Washington in the American Revolution) Being the commander-in-chief is a very high and honourable post that is also …show more content…
Washington was wise when he stayed in office for only two terms and when he learned from his mistake in Jumonville which was shown during the Battle of Trenton. He was humble because he took the position of president not for power, but to serve his country. Also, when granted the position of commander-in-chief he didn’t take any pay as he felt undeserving of the post. However, he was a great commander who was actually completely deserving. Washington was energetic as a leader because he applied himself to proper extent and knew what was right for the country. George Washington may be long deceased, but his memory as the first and one of our best presidents lives