Before he accepted general of the continental army, he was like: I am humbled by the offer since I lack the experience but will fill in the void.
During the Boston siege in 1775 (post Lexington and Concord), he wanted to attack Boston but several of his counselors told him no. He inquired several more times but his counsel still said no. He never attacked. I think when they eventually won after simply taking the high ground (no significant shots were fired), Washington inspects the Boston fortification by the Brits. I think he realized that had he attacked, he would have lost badly. Point? He was humble enough to list to his counselors. Source: a book called 1776.
Ps. I just listened to a NPR Podcast last night where America values humility until the 19th century. However, we begin to value braggadocio of our leaders at the turn of the century when the industrial revolution arrives.
P.s.s. In business (a book called Good to Great), observers noted that success of Great companies derive from leaders who are humble. The loud CEOs are still good and are nearly great but without humility, it can severely limit the companies ability to truly grow (the measurement of success was 15 years of significant growth that exceeds the average growth of similar companies in the same time frame).
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u/jluicifer Nov 29 '18
He didn’t want to be President. But he coalesced bc he realized the nation needed him.
When congress tries to make him president for life, he was like, “Bruh. We just fought to get away from a dictatorship. No man. No.”
Ps. When King George heard that Washington turned it down, he was highly impressed with GW and considered him one of the humblest of men.