In a very real sense, we are complicitous in their achievement, since we are the audience for which they were performing; knowing we would be watching helped to keep them on their best behavior.
In his book "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation," Joseph J. Ellis discusses the intertwined relationship between historical figures and their audience. He suggests that the success of these individuals is partly due to the awareness that they were being observed and judged by their contemporaries. This dynamic pushed them to maintain high standards of conduct, knowing that their actions were under scrutiny.
Ellis highlights the role of the audience as an essential factor in shaping the behavior and decisions of these revolutionary leaders. The expectation of being watched instilled a sense of accountability, which influenced their performances and ultimately contributed to their achievements. As a result, the audience is not merely passive observers but active participants in the historical narrative.
