For a humble leader, look to Washington

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For a humble leader, look to Washington

Published: 07 Dec. 2023, 20:05

SHIN BOK-RYONG
The author is a former chair professor of history at Konkuk University.

George Washington, the first president of the United States, had no formal education. His brother Lawrence taught him to read and write. He worked as a land surveyor. When he was 17, his father and brother passed away, and he inherited a sizable farm.

At age 22, Washington became more famous as a soldier than a plantation owner for his military feat in the battle against France and became the commander of Virginia’s forces. At age 27, he married Martha Curtis, a mother of two living in the same village.

When the American Revolutionary War broke out in 1775, Washington became the commander of the Continental Army. He was elected president after the war ended in 1783 and reelected in 1793. He could’ve chosen monarchy, considering the circumstances and his prestige, but he declined to run for a third term and returned to his farm in Virginia.

John Adams, the second to take office, had served as vice president under Washington. America’s war with France began in 1798, a year into his term. President Adams searched for a strategist to help overcome the crisis. As there was no one more suitable than the former president, President Adams paid Washington a visit and asked for his help. Washington agreed to again command America’s forces under the leadership of Adams, who had once been his report.

According to regulations at the time, the Army’s Chief of Staff had to be an active-duty soldier. When Adams was concerned about this, Washington immediately returned as an army lieutenant general and led his troops to victory against France. At the time, lieutenant general was the highest possible rank.

Washington was already seriously ill by age 66, having fought in many wars in the country’s early days. He passed away in 1799 wearing his military uniform. He was buried in his hometown, Mount Vernon. If you want to know how a retired president should live, look no further than Washington. Koreans never have any luck with their president, as they are only ever looking for a place to live in the future, even before they leave office.