George Washington and Benjamin Franklin Essay Example for Free

George majuscule and Benjamin Franklin EssayGeorge upper-case letter is a revered figure in history. He was the first chairperson of the United States and one of its earnest Founding Fathers. He was Com macrocosmder-in-Chief of the Continental Army upon whose victory the thirteen colonies de composeded to secure their separate and equal topographic point among the powers of the earth (Rediscovering George Washington, 2002, Introduction, para. 2). The usual facts aside, George Washington is a study of contrasting character traits, modesty and pride. Washington lived up to his legendary self with an immense awareness of who he was. In the book, Portrait of America (Oates Errico, 2003), Gordon S.Wood points that Washingtons with child(p)est asset is his character that he was representative of the 18th-century iconic image of a great man of virtue (Essay 10, II, para. 7 8). The eighteenth century was a very different era in many respects from the present that his personal co ncerns so may sound preposterous now. For example, Wood (2003) small that Washington was notoriously aloof in keeping with the image of a classical hero (III, para. 5), something that is terror nowadays for someone who occupies or dreams of coveting the highest office of the land.Wood (2003) exposed that Washington was very meticulous of himself particularly in the company of otherwises constantly cultivating the ideals of being a proper gentleman from his physical bearings to his personal manners(II, para. 15). He certainly considered his reputation his treasure and he protected it all his life (III, para. 6). There lies his enigma, the possession of dickens contrasting traits, modesty and pride. Wood (2003) further emphasized that it was his moral character that set him off from other men (II, para. 7). This moral steadfastness has served him well in tempting moments.It is worthy to know that Washington admit but was quite insecure about his lack of formal education compared to his learned peers. Self- criticism impeded his actions give care his refusal to travel to France finding to have a conversation by an interpreter indignant to a man of his stature, as Wood (2003, II, para. 16) pointed out. This shortcoming produced a very modest man who had the humility to surrender his powers and kip down from public life, an unprecedented act in the Western world (Wood, 2003, III, para.2) and which only enhanced his image of greatness. throughout history, the intoxication of power has often cultivated greed out of its possessors. Coming out of retirement and leading(a) the Philadelphia Convention in 1787, Washingtons untarnished reputation was crucial to the ratification of the proposed character. His reputation then at stake, he worked hard 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 peers then and for the future generation.Being 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 governmental contributions are still pervasive today, a testament to his leadership endurance. Wood (2003) concluded that Washington was answerable for establishing the presidents independent role and for making him a dominant figure in the government. He also set the Senates limited advisory role to the president in the making of treaties and the fight of officials.Most importantly, he single-handedly institutionalized the two-term limit of the presidency that it was included in the 22nd amendment to the Constitution in 1951 (V, para. 2, 3, 7). Another outstanding Founding Father who is best known for his scientific pursuits than his understated political contribution is Benjamin Franklin. In Portrait of America (Oates Errico, 2003), Richard B. Morris (Essay 6) described Franklin at the beginning of his essay as deceptively simple and disarmingly candid, but in reality a man of enormous complexity. similar George Washington, Franklin was also concerned about living a virtuous life although he was a often more relaxed character than the famous general. Franklin is one who seems made 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 blessed with a myriad of talents he used wisely he was a writer, printer, entrepreneur, skilled negotiator, diplomat, scientist. He espoused such virtues of diligence, frugality, self-discipline, honesty.He loved making propensitys 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 ex callion, the pen is mightier than the sword. As a prolific writer Franklin wrote under the pseudonyms Mrs. Silence Dogood, a character that showed the quintessential musical style of American folksy humor (Isaacson, 2006) then later showed more of his humorous side as unequal Richard Saunders for his annual almanac.Satirical writing is still in practice today oddly in the criticism of public figures. His affable nature enabled him to successfully temper dissension during the heated deliberations of the proposed Constitution. He was against tyranny especially slavery despite him having black slaves in 1757. He never hesitated to promote his advocacy for freedom of the press and expression, still very much one of the prevalent rights issues in society today.ReferencesIsaacson, W. (2003, June 29). Citizen Bens Great Virtues. clock time Magazine Online. Retrieved October 16, 2006 from the World Wide 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 pile One To 1877 8th Edition (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/father/index. html. Wood, G. S. (2003). The sizeableness 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.