Former President Benjamin Harrison said, “Great lives never go out; they go on.”
The “great lives” of former presidents of the United States have certainly “gone on” through their influence and legacy, and Presidents Day offers an opportunity to reflect on some evergreen advice from these prominent leaders.
George Washington (1789-1797)
“Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any.” He also advised, “Be not apt to relate news if you know not the truth thereof.”
This ode to media literacy came from a 14-year-old Washington at a time when America had only 43 newspapers, circulated mainly at pubs and in town squares. Now, anyone with access to a computer or mobile device can view more than 1.7 billion websites at the touch of a finger. With such a wide array of information — and misinformation — baseless gossip and false reports spread more quickly than ever.
Be not hasty to click and share them.
Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809)
“When angry, count ten, before you speak; if very angry, a hundred.”
Social media lends itself to instant certainty and emotionally charged responses. In this digital epoch, following Jefferson’s advice is more applicable than ever. What would it look like and sound like if every response to a hot topic was preceded by a moment of reflection?
Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865)
“If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher.”
According to Pew Research Center, more than 8 out of 10 U.S. adults say the political debate in the country has become more negative and less respectful. The poll also concluded that 60% of Americans believe politics has become less about solving real issues and more about partisan bickering.
Lincoln was once criticized for being too compassionate toward Southern rebels during the Civil War. When the critic reminded President Lincoln that the Confederate soldiers were supposed to be his enemy, Lincoln responded, “Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?”
If Lincoln promoted friendship in the midst of the Civil War, he would surely encourage it today.
John F. Kennedy (1961-1963)
“Every accomplishment begins with the decision to try.”
President Kennedy presided over portions of the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis and tensions in Berlin. Fear and speculation were prevalent during the space race with Soviet Russia. Civil rights issues, which ran rampant in the South during the Kennedy administration, divided the nation.
Kennedy’s approach to many of these issues was driven by optimism and energy. His message to America often carried a theme of introspection. Consider his iconic quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”
A healthy dose of introspection would combat today’s disease of finger pointing and fault finding.
This holiday, consider the source of your media, think before speaking, make more friends and look inward for change. Surely, then, the country will be one step closer to ensuring it never “goes out” but “goes on.”