Simon & Schuster
368 Pages
As we wrap up the George Washington portion of my Presidential Reading Project, it seems only fitting that we delve into the message Washington gave as he stepped aside from the presidency to reinforce the idea of a peaceful transition of power. Also, considering today’s political atmosphere from both the left and the right, Washington’s warnings in his farewell are eerily prescient. It was definitely Avlon’s intention to bring back Washington’s words in a time where our political system seems broken and on the verge of collapse.
George Washington, when he was ready to retire from politics and return to his beloved home at Mount Vernon, penned a farewell to his fellow Americans. This was a man who fought for the creation of the United States, a man who set precedents for all those who would follow in his exalted shoes. His words and actions meant something in the early days of our republic. They still do. And he knew that.
Washington’s words have been used ever since they were first penned. Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, and Barack Obama were all some of our leaders who harkened back to Washington’s views on the future of the United States. Despite being over two centuries old, the thoughts of one of our Founding Fathers still ring true, the dangers still present, and the fears still justified.
Washington believed there were forces that would tear us apart from within, hyper-partisianship being one of the most dangerous. He reiterated that education was essential for a strong democracy, and that all Americans, those “by birth or by choice” were one people and needed to stay united. Washington bemoaned political parties, believing that they would be the death of the nation. He was wary that too much power could rest in those unelected leaders.
George Washington was a man ahead of his time. His farewell still rings true today, and should be read by every citizen, young and old, in this country. His warnings should be heeded. As we find ourselves in an ever volatile political world, his words echo even stronger.
John Avlon explores the genesis of Washington’s great missive. Near the end of his first term, Washington considered retiring, but was convinced to serve a second term. He began preparing for his exit from that office at that time. Four years later, he dusted off his old ideas, gave them to Alexander Hamilton to polish, and then had it delivered to the American public. Avlon discusses the thoughts behind Washington’s Farewell, what was happening in the world around Washington, and how our first President hoped for a more perfect union in the years and decades to come.
Despite this not being about George Washington’s life directly, I view Washington’s Farewell as one of my favorites among the nearly three dozen that I’ve read in the course of this project. Even after two hundred fifty years, Washington’s thoughts carry so much weight. I had limited exposure to some of Washington’s speeches before I began this project, but I had no idea the impact of this one treatise. Frankly, this book should be required reading. The full draft of Washington’s Farewell is included in the book, so everyone can read his actual words themselves and come to their own conclusions, aided by John Avlon’s dedicated work. This book and its subject transcends the intent of my reading project, but it was a very welcome addition.
Craig Bacon wants to find a book of the collected speeches of our Presidents. There is inspiration to be found in the words of those people who have represented our American public.
NEXT UP: Washington’s End by Jonathan Horn