His massive probity, combined with his persistent geniality, made him impossible to hate. He lacked Washington's gravitas, Hamilton's charisma, and Madison's cerebral power, but he more than compensated with a conspicuous cogency in both his conversation and his prose that suggested a deep reservoir of learning he could tap at will. Permanently poised, always the calm center of the storm, when a controversial issue arose, he always seemed to have thought it through more clearly and deeply than anyone else, so that his opinion had a matter-of-fact quality that made dissent seem impolite.
The passage describes a prominent figure whose integrity and friendly demeanor made him well-liked and hard to dislike. While he may not have possessed the same level of seriousness as Washington, charisma like Hamilton, or intellectual depth like Madison, he more than made up for it with clarity in his speech and writing. His understanding and knowledge were apparent, showing a capability to discuss complex topics with ease.
His calm presence during tumultuous times made him a stabilizing force. When contentious issues arose, he often seemed to have a more profound and thoughtful perspective, lending credibility to his opinions. This decisive clarity made it challenging for others to oppose him, as disagreement felt discourteous in comparison to his reasoned views.
