Presidential Greatness

I have thought on various occasions what is it about certain people that makes them great. Presidents day is tomorrow, so declared in honor of two of our most beloved presidents. Their impact becomes ever more apparent as the world rolls forward. As cliche as it may be, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are my two favorite presidents.

Washington was one of the few in history who had total power and gave it up. Cincinattus was another, from Roman days. Washington had full command of the military prior to his presidency, and was prevailed upon to remain as president for longer than his two terms. But he chose to give his power back to the people, having done his duty now to rest. This is in significant contrast to former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, who gained the presidency and lingered there, allowing power to corrupt.

Lincoln showed the restraint of a dignified leader. Instead of pressing advantage to those who were loyal, he offered generous reconstruction plans to the South upon their surrender. So easy it would have been to hold disdain and begrudge relief for the people who had rebelled, and made life all the worse for them. Rather, healing was sought for the broken nation, to become one nation under God once more.

What was it that made these two presidents great? Though we certainly recognize their many flaws, what was it that enabled them to step up and do the things that our country needed right when it needed it? What was it that forged their characters such that they were prepared to make the decisions that they did? What enabled these two men, without pomp to their presence or haughtiness to their height, to be the strong leaders that they turned out to be? Was it their parents? Was it some adversity? Was it a teacher each may have had? Were they innately endowed with their capacities and desires? When the tough decisions had to be made, what was it that pushed them on into the dark of the unknown?

There will always be a need in all ages of the world for men and women of such caliber as the two presidents for whom our holiday reveres. What can I do to form my character such that I am prepared to chose nobly at my life's junctions, however small or great the consequences may seem? (for indeed, a large gate turns on a very small hinge.)

My fate is not decided, and there is yet time in the day for me to construct a character worthy of the opportunities that have been afforded me. So I go to build, and then to choose.

And so do you.