George Washington and Benjamin Franklin Essay

George capital letter is a revered figure in history. He was the first President of the United States and star of its belove Founding puzzles. He was Com creationder-in-Chief of the Continental Army upon whose victory the thirteen colonies depended to skilful their separate and equal station among the powers of the demesne (Rediscovering George capital of the United States, 2002, Introduction, para. 2). The usual facts aside, George working capital is a field of study of contrasting parting traits, modesty and pride. majuscule lived up to his legendary self with an huge aw beness of who he was. In the book, portrait of the States (Oates & Errico, 2003), Gordon S. timberland points that capital letters greatest asset is his character that he was representative of the 18th-century iconic go steady of a great man of virtue (Essay 10, II, para. 7 & 8). The eighteenth century was a truly different era in umteen respects from the present that his individual(prenominal) bus iness enterprises thus may sound preposterous now. For example, woodwind (2003) detailed that Washington was notoriously removed in keeping with the image of a classical hero (III, para. 5), something that is bane instantly for someone who occupies or dreams of coveting the highest office of the land. timberland (2003) exposed that Washington was very meticulous of himself especially in the company of others forever and a day cultivating the ideals of being a proper adult male from his physical bearings to his personal manners(II, para. 15). He certainly considered his disposition his treasure and he saved it all his flavour (III, para. 6). There lies his enigma, the obstinance of two contrasting traits, modesty and pride. woods (2003) further emphasized that it was his moral character that set him off from other work force (II, para. 7). This moral steadfastness has served him well in tempting moments.It is worthy to know that Washington acknowledged but was quite doubt ful intimately his lack of formal genteelness compared to his learned peers. Self-criticism impeded his actions like his refusal to fit to France finding to have a colloquy through an interpreter indignant to a man of his stature, as Wood (2003, II, para. 16) pointed out. This fault produced a very modest man who had the humility to surrender his powers and retreat from human beings life history, an unprecedented act in the westerly world (Wood, 2003, III, para.2) and which only enhanced his image of greatness. Throughout history, the intoxication of power has ofttimes cultivated greed out of its possessors. access out of retirement and leading the Philadelphia formula in 1787, Washingtons upright reputation was crucial to the ratification of the proposed Constitution. His reputation then at stake, he worked stiff to have it ratified (Wood, 2003, IV, para. 1). This was the typical Washington work ethic a concern for validation of his deliberate act in the eyes of his pee rs then and for the future generation.organism the President of a young nation, Wood (2003) pointed that Washington was keenly aware that everything he did would set precedents for the future (V, para. 1). His political contributions are chill out pervasive today, a will to his leadership endurance. Wood (2003) concluded that Washington was responsible for establishing the presidents autonomous role and for act upon him a dominating figure in the government. He withal set the Senates limited consultive role to the president in the making of treaties and the appointment of officials.Most importantly, he single-handed institutionalized the two-term limit of the presidency that it was include in the 22nd amendment to the Constitution in 1951 (V, para. 2, 3, & 7). Another outstanding Founding Father who is best know for his scientific pursuits than his unpretentious political contribution is Benjamin Franklin. In Portrait of America (Oates & Errico, 2003), Richard B. Morris (Ess ay 6) described Franklin at the beginning of his essay as deceivingly simple and disarmingly candid, but in mankind a man of enormous complexity.Like George Washington, Franklin was also concerned about living a virtuous life although he was a much to a greater extent relaxed character than the famous general. Franklin is one who seems make of flesh rather than of marble (Isaacson, 2003). both bettered themselves through purposeful self-improvement to make up for their lack of formal education. Franklin was joyous with a myriad of talents he employ wisely he was a writer, printer, entrepreneur, arch(prenominal) negotiator, diplomat, scientist. He espoused such virtues of diligence, frugality, self-discipline, honesty.He loved making lists and the most significant of such is as a young man, he made a list of personal virtues that he determined should define his life (Isaacson, 2006). Franklin used his pen for his causes proving the commonly known expression, the pen is mightie r than the sword. As a prolific writer Franklin wrote under the pseudonyms Mrs. Silence Dogood, a character that showed the quintessential genre of American folksy humor (Isaacson, 2006) then afterward showed more of his humorous side as Poor Richard Saunders for his annual almanac.Satirical opus is still in practice today especially in the criticism of semipublic figures. His affable nature enabled him to successfully lead dissension during the heated deliberations of the proposed Constitution. He was against absolutism especially slavery despite him having color slaves in 1757. He never hesitated to produce his advocacy for freedom of the press and expression, still very much one of the predominant rights issues in society today.ReferencesIsaacson, W. (2003, June 29). Citizen Bens spectacular Virtues. Time Magazine Online. Retrieved October 16, 2006 from the World bulky Web http//www.time. com/time/2003/franklin/bffranklin. html. Morris, R. B. (2003). Meet Dr. Franklin. In Oates, S. B. , & Errico, C. J. (Eds. ), Portrait of America Volume angiotensin-converting enzyme To 1877 8th variant (Essay 6). Boston Houghton Mifflin Company. Rediscovering George Washington (2002). PBS. Retrieved October 16, 2006 from the World Wide Web http//www. pbs. org/georgewashington/ get under ones skin/index. html. Wood, G. S. (2003). The Greatness of George Washington. In Oates, S. B. , & Errico, C. J. (Eds. ), Portrait of America Volume One To 1877 8th Edition (Essay 10). Boston Houghton Mifflin Company.