John Adams

I just finished reading John Adams and I came away from it with respect for both John and Abigail. Two words keep coming to mind: integrity and endurance. I think that the comments that have been made about recognizing the positives in each of the founding fathers is very true - you cannot judge because you were not in the midst of these events, along with the turmoil and pressures that each of them had to endure. But it is very revealing to me that, although he was not perfect, John Adams stayed true to his morals and values through every assignment he undertook. He lost his temper at times, but he never resorted to lying or dishonesty to get what he wanted. I don't know that I wouldn't have succumbed to the pressures and justified some back street negotiating when everyone around me was engaging in such behavior. He was at peace in his retirement for a reason; a clear conscience. He endured through many hardships and sacrifices, but in the end he knew he had come through all with his values intact. That I could learn from such an example and always act in accordance with my professed beliefs.