A driving force for the American revolutionaries was a profound sense of posterity—the idea that their sacrifices were for future generations, not immediate personal gain. This long-term, selfless perspective explains their willingness to risk everything.
The classical Greek definition of a hero, like Achilles, involves a negotiation or 'war' between great strengths and significant weaknesses. This internal conflict defines heroism and makes a character compelling, rendering the modern pursuit of flawless idols misguided.
When confronting the moral hypocrisies of figures like Washington, the goal isn't to act as umpires of the past. It's to recognize the universal human capacity for contradiction, which puts us 'on the hook' to examine our own behavior.
Great leaders demonstrate humility by surrounding themselves with people who might be more skilled in certain areas. They are drawn to talent that makes them smarter, whereas narcissistic leaders are threatened by it and want to be the smartest person in the room.
Filmmaker Ken Burns actively incorporates new, destabilizing information into his work, even if it makes a scene 'less good.' He believes that in historical storytelling, art must be subservient to the facts, forcing a constant reconciliation with complexity.
Washington's repeated hesitation to take on power, seeing himself as reluctantly drawn to public service, resulted in a more effective leadership style. This reluctance fostered humility and prevented him from being autocratic, leading him to empower talented subordinates.
Unlike engineering where 1+1 must equal 2, great stories create a whole greater than the sum of its parts. This 'third' element is the mysterious, emotional connection that changes a person's point of view in a way logical arguments cannot.