George Washington Revered and Reviled

Harry Truman probably said it best. “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”

The Thick Hide

It is a part of human nature to be sensitive to criticism. Those who achieve celebrity, whether it be political or artistic or academic or elsewise, invariably make enemies for a variety of reasons. Resentment and jealousy usually being at the top of the list.

There are many instances in recent history where fine public figures withdraw from public life due to the intrusive instant-judgments of social media.

Ergo, being in the public eye makes you subject to the public mouth, and “truth” is also a victim.

George Washington the Tight-Lipped

George Washington’s father died when his son was eleven. Every aspiration for a formal classical education (like his older half-brothers) was now denied.

Eldest brother Lawrence was fond of George, and frequently invited him to visit at his Mount…