The Greatness of Leadership

My mom will be happy to read this. She loves David McCullough’s John Adams. Actually, she just likes David McCullough’s books. I read a selection of the book for American Government class. This selection was titled “Colossus of Independence.” Since I’m not actually in the class, I sort of did the assignment backwards, and read the piece after watching the movie. But it didn’t matter; both were still very vivid illustrations of the events surrounding the birth of the Declaration of Independence.

In high school, and even college, history classes, the emphasis is often on the overall movements and themes of a time, rather than on the specific people who were the driving force behind these movements. I enjoyed spending time focusing on one man who led the energy of revolutionary America into a tangible document and action.

John Adams not only worked with congress to formulate the idea of a full break with England. McCullough vividly paints a picture of a man who knew what the inevitable action would be and led the country to the point of decision. Watching the movie, I saw his realization of the unavoidable outcome turn into realization that he would have to act as the catalyst toward this outcome.

Overall, I really appreciated this insight into a man who did so much for our country. I wish we studied the people rather than the process more often. This sort of glimpse into an influential life shows how we too can become great. It is normal every day people who change the world. John Adams was a poor author. Thomas Jefferson was a weak speaker. These men had great weaknesses, but they became great leaders. Now I really want to go read more biographies and come to understand what makes leaders truly great. First on the list: John Adams by David McCullough.