Do you demand respect or command respect?

"A people unused to restraint must be led, they will not be drove" -George Washington, Jan. 3rd, 1777

George Washington was a person that commanded respect, rather than demanding it. This is why in the records of history, he is remembered as the most critical figure in the Revolutionary War. In fighting for the ideal of liberty and freedom, imposing restrictions and threats upon his army would have quickly dispirited his men and lost the war. It was only through commanding respect through 'leading from the front" - showing the example of self-sacrifice and dedication to the cause as the inspiration for those under his leadership.

The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia (during IYLA USA 2014, August 16th)

This was displayed to me in a vivid image depicted in the book "1776". At the critical battle for Princeton, New Jersey, on Jan. 1st, 1777 George Washington lead the frontal assault on the enemy. Why would he place himself in such a dire circumstance when he was in a post of such importance? Because he firmly knew that the cause of freedom and liberty was at stake in this decisive battle. In that moment, Washington clearly demonstrated that he valued the cause of America more than any institutional position of authority or artificially construed reputation. If this battle could salvage what little hope was left in the American cause, he would not spare any available resource, including his own life, in determining its victory.

And thanks in large part to Washington's noble leadership that day, victory is what resulted.

Ingenuity is forged in despair

In the book "1776" by McCullough, I was fascinated to hear about the timing of the completion of the Declaration of Independence. In the midst of the most frantic war preparations America had seen, delegates gathered to draft the most defining historic document of our time. The whole country knew that the full wrath of their enemy would any day be unleashed upon their ill-trained militia-men, yet the assembly in Philadelphia went ahead and signed a statement that made it as clear as day not only where they stood but why. Two days after, as word was being sent throughout the 13 colonies of the nation's consensus on independence, a British fleet of over 100 ships had positioned outside the New York harbor, outnumbering the colonists about seven to one. One can only imagine the distress and urgency of the time.

August 2014: I visited the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed
on July 4th, 1776 with my friends from Pakistan and Indonesia

How is it then, that such a profound piece of literature was able to be authored in a circumstance that would rattle the nerves of any man trying to write a sensible statement, let alone an unprecedented assertion of innate human rights that broke through all prior concepts of governance and civilization? It was only possible with the spirit and ardor of a people so committed to a cause that they turned the distress of the times into fuel for their passionate endeavor to establish their ideal nation.

Imagine if we could have the same attitude in our daily life, taking any setback or adversity as a test of our resolve and commitment to our ideals? Ingenuity and profound achievements are always forged with this kind of mindset, and this can be our lifelong habit if we determine it.

Can you feel the winds of history?

 

The signing of the Declaration
of Independence, July 4th, 1776

It's interesting to read about 'historical people', because we can see what it was about their mindset that allowed them to make such a grand footprint in the backdrop of history. 

One thing I have noticed is that historical people usually recognize that they have been given unique and extra-ordinary responsibility and they tremble and cringe at the thought of taking on that responsibility, though in the end they do so full-heartedly. 

George Washington recognized that he was the best fitted American of his time to take the role of commander-in-chief of the American army, yet he acknowledged in private letters the weight of the task and his feeling of being unqualified for the tremendous role, though in the end by all accounts he performed the job spectacularly.

Similarly, I feel that we need to feel the winds of history in our daily actions, recognizing the significance and importance of each moment in the backdrop of eons of human endeavor, if we want to make a significant contribution worthy of being remembered. That perspective and prudence in daily life is the starting point for any historical achievement.

Perseverance and spirit

"Perseverance and spirit have one wonders in all ages" -General George Washington

I'm reading the book, "1776" by David McCullough, and I'm finding it remarkable how true this quote by George Washington is when looking at our nation's history. The "rag-tag" colonies and the farmers and country boys who volunteered for the American cause in the Revolution were surely out-skilled and under-equipped in comparison with the British forces.

Yet as time and time again history has shown, the greatest strength of any peoples is their passion and zeal for their cause. This is a reminder for daily life that we should put our whole effort into any cause we undertake if we want to live a meaningful legacy.