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About this quote

What does it mean?
Washington is described as uniquely joyful in public moments compared to other generals. It highlights his human side.
In plain terms
Other generals are serious, but Washington showed pure joy.
What can you take from it?
Authentic leaders show genuine human emotion.

Where it applies

  • public appearances
  • historical analysis
  • leadership training

Putting it to work

  • show genuine emotion
  • connect with people

Questions to consider

  • Why does joy matter in leadership?
  • How does humanity affect authority?

Another view

Public figures often must mask their true feelings.

More from George Washington

  1. A degree of silence envelops Washington's actions; he moved slowly; one might say that he felt charged with future liberty, and that he feared to compromise it…

    Permalink to quote #136
  2. '[Washington was] a total stranger to religious prejudices, which have so often excited Christians of one denomination to cut the throats of those of another.

    Permalink to quote #138
  3. George Washington was perhaps the one indispensable man among the founders.

    Permalink to quote #135

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