Washington not only fit the bill physically, he was also almost perfect psychologically, so comfortable with his superiority that he felt no need to explain himself. {As a young man during the French and Indian war he had been more outspoken, but he learned from experience to allow his sheer presence to speak for itself.} While less confident men blathered on, he remained silent, thereby making himself a vessel into which admirers for their fondest convictions, becoming a kind of receptacle for diverse aspirations that magically came together in one man.
by Joseph J. Ellis
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George Washington possessed the physical attributes and psychological strengths necessary for leadership during the American Revolution. He exuded a natural superiority and confidence that eliminated the need for self-justification. His earlier experiences as a younger officer taught him to rely on his commanding presence rather than words, allowing him to embody the hopes and aspirations of those around him.

Over time, Washington evolved from a more outspoken figure in his youth to a silent leader whose mere existence inspired loyalty and admiration. This transformation enabled him to become a unifying figure, representing diverse ideals and ambitions, effectively rallying people to support the cause of American independence.

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