What the Founders Meant By Happiness

Module 8

Resolution: George Washington's Self-Command

In this module, you will explore the virtue of resolution as the Founders understood it: steady self-command, or the ability to let reason rule passion in moments of strain. Through the life and leadership of George Washington, you will examine how emotional discipline shaped decisive moments in the nation’s early history, from averting crisis to relinquishing power. Washington’s example shows why the Founders believed that self-mastery was not only a personal virtue, but a public necessity for sustaining constitutional democracy.

Leadership and Moral Character through Self-Command

Grounded in History

This video explores resolution through the leadership and moral character of George Washington, whose steady self-command helped preserve the American Revolution at its most perilous moment. His example reveals how emotional discipline is essential to sustaining constitutional democracy and the pursuit of collective happiness.

Resolution: Washington’s Self-Command

Washington’s self-command was shaped by both personal experience and philosophical study. Explore these key influences and moments to see how his resolution developed over time.

The Newburgh Crisis

In March 1783, George Washington faced a potential mutiny by unpaid soldiers who were frustrated with Congress’ failure to meet their financial obligations. Rather than reacting with anger or force, Washington chose to appeal to their sense of patience and commitment to democratic principles. He urged them to trust the slow but deliberate political process, emphasizing reasoned deliberation over impulsive action.

This pivotal moment demonstrated Washington’s ability to defuse a volatile situation through calm leadership and moral persuasion. His approach not only prevented a crisis but also reinforced the importance of unity and trust in the fledgling nation.

Washington’s Stoic Philosophy

George Washington’s leadership was shaped by sustained engagement with Stoic moral teaching, especially the writings of Seneca and the example of Cato. From these sources he drew a disciplined ethic of self-command, learning to restrain impulse and to let reason guide action under strain. Observers noted not the absence of feeling, but Washington’s ability to govern it, cultivating a public composure that steadied those around him.

That discipline proved decisive during the Newburgh Crisis. By appealing to deliberation rather than resentment, and by demonstrating the restraint he asked of others, Washington redirected anger toward patience and preserved civilian authority over the military. His practice of Stoic resolution did more than resolve a single crisis. It established a durable model of republican leadership grounded in self-mastery rather than force.

The Moral Tension

At a decisive moment in the nation’s founding, George Washington confronted a choice familiar to students of classical history: whether to convert military authority into personal power or to submit passion and ambition to republican principle. He chose restraint. By governing his own emotions and placing virtue above advancement, Washington defined the character of his leadership.

Rather than exploiting discontent among the soldiers, he appealed to their sense of duty and to the claims of constitutional self-government. In doing so, he helped avert military usurpation and reinforced the authority of civilian rule. Washington’s decision did more than secure a moment of crisis. It established a durable standard of leadership grounded in self-command, moral consistency, and fidelity to constitutional principles.

Washington’s Daily Practice of Self-Mastery

Consider how Washington’s personal habits and classical studies shaped his ability to maintain emotional self-command throughout his life.

Exploring Washington's disciplined life

George Washington's journey to happiness and virtue was deeply rooted in discipline, self-control, and moral principles. This process explores the key influences and practices that shaped his character and guided his actions throughout his life.

Classical Influence

George Washington was profoundly influenced by his study of Seneca’s Morals, which emphasized the importance of controlling anger, valuing time, and pursuing happiness through reasoned self-discipline. These teachings provided him with a philosophical foundation for leading a virtuous life.

By internalizing these principles, Washington developed a framework for personal conduct that prioritized rationality and emotional balance. This classical influence became a cornerstone of his approach to leadership and personal growth.

Regimented Routine

From his youth to retirement, Washington adhered to a strict daily schedule that reflected his commitment to discipline. He rose early each day, dedicating time to reading, prayer, and work, which helped him maintain focus and emotional steadiness.

This regimented routine not only supported his personal well-being but also set an example for others. It demonstrated how structure and consistency can foster a balanced and productive life.

Managing Anger

Inspired by Seneca’s advice, Washington practiced patience and delayed responses to manage his temper. He understood the value of cooling his emotions before reacting, which allowed him to maintain composure even in challenging situations.

This deliberate approach to anger management became a defining trait of his leadership style. By exercising self-control, Washington earned the respect and trust of those around him, reinforcing his reputation as a steady and reliable figure.

Rules of Civility

As a teenager, Washington copied and internalized a set of rules known as the Rules of Civility, which emphasized good humor, conscience, and reason over passion. These guidelines shaped his interactions and decision-making throughout his life.

By adhering to these principles, Washington cultivated a demeanor of respect and integrity. The Rules of Civility served as a moral compass, guiding his conduct in both public and private spheres

Washington’s Leadership and Emotional Discipline in National Crisis

Examine how Washington’s self-mastery shaped his leadership during critical moments beyond the Newburgh crisis, influencing the founding of the nation.

Washington's Self-Mastery

Washington’s leadership was marked by his ability to control his temper and act with deliberation. His classical education and personal discipline helped him navigate challenges such as Shays’ Rebellion and the Constitutional Convention. He believed that emotional self-command was essential to republican leadership, preventing factionalism and preserving the union. His famous farewell address warned against the dangers of partisan passions and underscored the need for moderation and reason in governance.

Check Your Understanding

The following activities will help you reinforce and assess your understanding of Washington’s resolution and its philosophical roots. Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned before moving forward.

Why did Washington emphasize emotional self-command in his leadership?

To suppress all feelings and appear unemotional

To ensure reason guided decisions and to preserve the constitutional democracy

To intimidate political opponents

To avoid public speaking

Rethinking the Pursuit of Happiness

In this module, you explored how George Washington practiced the virtue of resolution through steady self-command and emotional restraint. By examining his leadership during moments of national crisis, including the Newburgh episode, you saw how classical moral learning and disciplined habits shaped his decisions. Washington’s ability to govern his emotions proved essential to stabilizing a fragile new nation and offers a lasting model of leadership grounded in judgment, restraint, and responsibility.

Key Takeaways

Resolution involves steady self-command, especially in moments of stress.
Washington’s emotional discipline helped him navigate crises without succumbing to passion or faction.
Classical Stoic philosophy deeply influenced Washington’s practice of self-mastery.
The Founders viewed emotional discipline as vital to both personal virtue and political stability.
Washington’s legacy highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing passion and reason in leadership.

Food For Thought

How might the practice of resolution help people respond thoughtfully rather than reactively in moments of stress or conflict today?
Why does emotional self-command matter for effective leadership in a constitutional democracy?
What does Washington’s example suggest about the connection between personal character and the long-term health of a free society?

Optional Reading

Jeffrey Rosen, The Pursuit of Happiness, Chapter 7
George Washington, Newburgh Address (opens in a new tab)
George Washington, Letters to Henry Knox (opens in a new tab)(1786-1787)
George Washington, First Inaugural Address (opens in a new tab)(1789)
George Washington, Farewell Address (opens in a new tab)(1796)
George Washington, Letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island (opens in a new tab)
George Washington, Letter to the Society of Quakers (opens in a new tab)
Seneca, Morals

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What the Founders Meant By Happiness

Module 8

Resolution: George Washington's Self-Command

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Leadership and Moral Character through Self-Command

Grounded in History

Resolution: Washington’s Self-Command

The Newburgh Crisis

Washington’s Stoic Philosophy

The Moral Tension

Washington’s Daily Practice of Self-Mastery

Washington’s Leadership and Emotional Discipline in National Crisis

Check Your Understanding

Why did Washington emphasize emotional self-command in his leadership?

Concluding Module 8

Rethinking the Pursuit of Happiness

Key Takeaways

Food For Thought

Optional Reading

Created in partnership with Arizona State University.

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