American Soul Quote and Example

“He is feared even when silent and beloved even while we are unconscious of the motive...a placid smile is frequently observed on his lips, but a loud laugh, it is said, seldom if ever escapes him”(p. 86)

This quote is from the book, The American Soul by Jacob Needleman. The quote above is an excerpt from a chapter that describes some of George Washington’s characteristics that is explained from the point of view by the author. I believe that this quotes mean that, Washington is greatly respected by the people around him. I also, believe that people trust him, even if they do not know his motive, they don’t question it. Washington was described to have a “placid” smile, in which I believe it means that he is not easily agitated, and his smile represents him as being calm and quiet. I believe that the author in the quote describes Washington as being seldomly pessimistic. Washington may see the shortcomings of others, along with his own and seldomly, if rarely laughed at them. At the very least his motive was to obtain self-control within his heart and mind, and obtaining this, it would allow him to improve himself as a better person.

In my opinion I believe that the author’s description of George Washington’s characteristics are similar to mine in a sense. Most of the time I’m calm and quiet and I am respected by my friends because they see that I’m friendly, a good community service member, a team player, and strong-minded. My friends don’t question my thoughts or motives because they trust me and they think that I am honest, straight forward or to the point, and sincere. In a similar way of the author describing George Washington, I, at times rarely laugh at other peoples thoughts or motives. But, most of the time even though it may seem humorous I would hold in my laughter to show respect and I would try to understand them. I also, would not criticize them for having those thoughts or motives because we are human and we are always learning.