In Joseph J. Ellis's "Revolutionary Summer: The Birth of American Independence," George Washington reflects on his life choices and expresses a yearning for a simpler existence. He considers how much joy he might have experienced if he had chosen to join the ranks as a soldier instead of taking on the burdens of command during a tumultuous time. This sentiment reveals his inner conflict regarding leadership and the weight of responsibility that comes with it.

Washington fantasizes about a life away from the pressures of command, suggesting that retreating to a more primitive lifestyle, such as living in a wigwam, could have brought him greater happiness. This quote highlights Washington's introspective nature and the heavy toll that the responsibilities of leadership can exact on an individual, illustrating his desire for peace over the chaos of war and governance.