The book and series both portray incredibly well what it must have been like to be a part of the revolutionary generation. Often we lionize the people of that generation - Adams, Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, etc. - and forget that they too were human beings who had their doubts, worries and concerns. By no means was independence a sure thing at any point until the revolutionary war was won...and even then it was tenuous.
As the New Year begins, I am re-reading McCullough's book and reminding myself that, whenever I am wont to look back at history and wish I had it so easy, I am not doing justice to the men and women who went through incredible trials during their times.
Perhaps Billy Joel says it best - "The good old days weren't always good, and tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems."
2 comments:
All I can say about that last comment is, "Thank God for that!" I tend to freak out about tomorrow more than I should. :-)
We LOVED John Adams. In fact, if we ever have another son, we are considering naming him Quincy. It makes me sad there aren't politicians like that anymore. Of course, I am not sure he would have ever called himself a politician. I started the book, but with the three little ones, time is scarce. It is on my list for the summer though.
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