Charles Francis Adams, Sr., as quoted in Washington's Birthday : Its History, Observance, Spirit, and Significance as Related in Prose and Verse (1918) by Robert Haven Schauffler, p. 143
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More than all, and above all, Washington was master of himself. If there be one quality more than another in his character which may exercise a useful control over the men of the present hour, it is the total disregard of self when in the most elevated positions for influence and example.
— Charles Francis Adams, Sr. on George Washington
What It Means
This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "More than all, and above all, Washington was master of himself. If there be one quality more than another in his character which may exercise a useful control over the men of the present hour, it is the total disregard of self when in the most elevated positions for influence and example." in the context of "Charles Francis Adams, Sr., as quoted in Washington's Birthday : Its History, Observance, Spirit, and Significance as Related in Prose and Verse (1918) by Robert Haven Schauffler, p. 143" to mean that wisdom is timeless.
Source: Wikiquote: "George Washington" (Quotes about George Washington: Sorted alphabetically by author or source
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The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
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About Charles Francis Adams, Sr.
Charles Francis Adams (18 August 1807 – 21 November 1886) was an American lawyer, politician, diplomat and writer; the son of President John Quincy Adams and Louisa Catherine Johnson and the grandson of President John Adams and Abigail Adams.
About Charles Francis Adams, Sr.
Charles Francis Adams (18 August 1807 – 21 November 1886) was an American lawyer, politician, diplomat and writer; the son of President John Quincy Adams and Louisa Catherine Johnson and the grandson of President John Adams and Abigail Adams.
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