TDIH: Washington on Human Nature
“Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder,”
On this day in 1779, General George Washington writes a letter. He was worried about a double agent, then working for the Continental Army.
Could the man be trusted? “I always think it necessary to be very guarded, with those who are professedly acting as double characters. . . . Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder,” Washington mused.
The letter reflects something deeper that shaped our nation: Our Founders understood the imperfections of human nature. They knew that people are fallible, and that power corrupts. They knew that greed too often rules the day.
Our Founders reflected on these truths as they created our Constitution. Safeguards would be needed against these base tendencies of human nature.
Modern Americans idolize simple democracy, failing to understand that something better is needed. A simple democracy allows the worst instincts of human nature to take over. It allows bare or unreasonable majorities to tyrannize minority groups. Emotional mobs have too much power.
It’s sometimes said that democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on what’s for dinner. The sheep in that scenario is not protected simply because it has the right to vote. Our Founders understood this and did not make the mistake of thinking that such a simple-minded approach to self-governance would do.
As a result, our Constitution contains many safeguards to protect our liberty: It separates power among three branches of government. It requires super-majorities to take some actions, such as to amend the Constitution or to override a presidential veto. Our Congress is bicameral, combining a Senate (one state, one vote representation) with a House (one person, one vote). Our Electoral College requires federal majorities to win.
Whatever would our Founders make of modern attempts to ignore or eliminate such constitutional safeguards? Would they think we are too easily dismissing everything they worked so hard for?
Sources can always be found on my website, here.
I was worried for a moment Tara. But as always, you came through.
Yes, our founders would clearly see some holes in what they designed. Because they understood the nature of men and women, they would know that those holes have been found and exploited by the frailties of human nature. They would lament what has become of all of their hard won work and they would be so very disappointed.
I unfortunately believe that it is nearly impossible to correct those failures in our systems because the powerful and the bare majority are not about to give up their power. They have ruined our educational system and our government has created generations of takers, not givers.
I am so sorry to write this, as it is so negative, but after spending time with my youngest Grandson yesterday, I found that my best hope for the youngest adult generation, is nearly lost to the cause. I say nearly because there is a glimmer of hope, but he is immersed in the system. God, help him and all of the free world.
Thank you Tara.
Another good time to point out how the direct election of Senators eroded the power of the states which was an important safeguard designed by the founders.