Summary

Williams sees Washington as a powerful man who does not have powerful ambitions. His ambition was for a quiet and comfortable life. Washington’s most valuable character traits are resistance and patience. His emotions are hidden; he is reserved.

Few see the inner man. Washington is the first president of the United States, but Williams asserts, “The presidency could not have meant anything to Washington … He merely did his duty. He did it with wisdom since he couldn’t do it any other way.”

Williams quotes from the 1782 Writings of Ben Franklin and then comments on Franklin in his essay titled “Poor Richard,” named after one of Franklin’s better-known literary characters. Franklin writes to those who would immigrate to the American Republic, and warns them not to assume that success will follow merely because they are skilled, knowledgeable or noble...