The Virtues of George Washington

By Finn Sweeney

George Washington, one of the most famous Americans in history, had humble beginnings. He was born to Mary Ball and Augustine Washington on February 22, 1732, and grew up on Ferry Farm, a plantation near Fredericksburg, Virginia. As a young man he worked as a surveyor and saw action in the French and Indian War, and his leadership in the Revolutionary War and then as president was vital to securing the future of the United States of America. He was regarded by many as a calm, composed, and well-mannered man. His popularity as general and president was due mainly to his determination in the face of trials, his humble nature, and how well he treated his inferiors. Throughout his life George Washington demonstrated his fortitude, humility, and kindness.

 

One of George Washington’s virtues was his fortitude. The first real test of his fortitude came when his father died. George Washington was eleven years old at the time, and after this it is likely that he had to help his mother run the family plantation. Another example of his fortitude is that during the Revolutionary War, George Washington led his army personally, instead of staying at headquarters and leaving the work to his officers. During the war he also lived a frugal life compared to General Howe and his officers, choosing a building that once served as a tavern for his headquarters in Morristown and not surrounding himself with trappings of luxury as other generals might have. Another incident that tested his fortitude occurred after the war, when he developed a fever from an infection on the back of his thigh, which swelled to a large size. He had to endure the brutal procedure of draining the growth without anesthesia. These examples show that George Washington’s fortitude was invaluable throughout his life, helping him endure the challenges of leading an army and many other hardships.

 

Another of George Washington’s important traits was his humility. This trait was made apparent many times over the course of his life, including in the fact that he feared any large show of ambition, even in the privacy of his diary. Another example is that he was happiest not as a general or a president, but as a hardworking Virginia planter. The most striking example of his humility, however, was when he was approached by Congress and asked to become the first president of the newly formed United States. When he first heard their request, he balked, having no desire to be president and only wanting to return to a private life. Finally, after serving two full terms as president, George Washington chose not to run for a third term and returned to his home on Mount Vernon. George Washington’s humility helped him to be a good person and a good president.

 

George Washington’s humility went hand-in-hand with another important trait: kindness. One example of this was how he cared for his mother, who was very self-centered, by giving her money and not pressing her to repay it. Another incident saw Washington’s Indian guide attempting to fire at him and his companion, Gist. When Gist wanted to execute the Indian, Washington pleaded for Gist to spare him. During the harsh winter of 1778-79, when Washington’s men were struggling to erect buildings for shelter, Washington rode out from his headquarters through the snow to personally check on them and see how they were coping. Lastly, when a tax on liquor caused the widespread Whiskey Rebellion, president George Washington had to take command of a militia to defeat the rebels. After they prevailed, Washington pardoned the defeated rebels. George Washington’s kindness was in evidence throughout his life, and, like his humility, helped him to become a popular and just president.

 

George Washington’s fortitude, humility, and kindness were important parts of his character, as was obvious throughout his life. His fortitude helped him endure the trials of war and the stress of being president, and it also helped him to be a bold and courageous general, rather than a timid and cowardly one. Although Washington started out as a proud, ambitious young man, in his later years he was known for his humility, which made him popular among many people. He was also unfailingly kind, which was one of the reasons he was such a good leader. In short, George Washington led a virtuous life, one we could all benefit from imitating.

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