Making the Appropriate Choices, Regardless of the Moment
In the annals of history, there are moments that stand out as acts of courage, righteousness, and moral fortitude. One such moment occurred in 1859, when Ulysses S. Grant, a man who would later become the 18th President of the United States, made a decision that defied the norms of his time and challenged the very fabric of slavery.
Grant, then a young man at his father-in-law's estate, White Haven, chose to free William Jones, the enslaved man he owned. This decision, recorded in multiple biographical accounts, was a bold move against a backdrop where slavery was the law of the land.
Grant's decision to free Jones was not a hasty one. He had several reasons to delay, financial and otherwise. He could have sold Jones and pocketed the proceeds, or he could have worked out a deal for Jones to earn his freedom. However, Grant's opposition to slavery and his discomfort with the institution were too strong. He could not bring himself to treat people as slaves, and he felt ashamed by the practice.
Contemporaries recalled that Grant "could not treat them as slaves" and preferred paying and treating laborers fairly rather than forcing or whipping them. This principle-driven approach led him to sign the manumission, freeing Jones, even when the financial gain would have been beneficial.
This act of courage was not unique in Grant's life. Marcus Aurelius, in his work "Meditations," noted the tendency of people to choose tomorrow instead of doing the right thing today. Yet, Grant chose to act now, understanding that the right time to take action is often perceived as being in the future, but it can be beneficial to act now.
However, it's important to note that not all figures of the time shared Grant's convictions. Marcus Aurelius, despite his writings on morality and ethics, did not free his slaves. Grant could have justified his actions by convincing himself that he was a kind owner and that the problem with slavery wasn't people like him. But he chose to act on principle, demonstrating that even in the face of societal norms, the right thing can be done.
Delaying action can be a form of self-deception, leading to procrastination. It can result in missed opportunities or lost chances to make a positive impact. By acting when it mattered most, Ulysses S. Grant set an example of courage and moral integrity that continues to inspire today. His decision to free William Jones was not only empowering for Jones but also a testament to Grant's unwavering commitment to justice.
In contrast to the historic moments of courage and morality, Grant's decision to free William Jones, despite the financial benefits of delaying, demonstrated his commitment to the fashion-and-beauty of fair treatment and equality. This act resonates with our modern home-and-garden values, emphasizing the importance of providing a hospitable and equitable space.
Moreover, Grant's decision to prioritize relationships over slavery somehow mirrors our contemporary pet-parenting, as both involve nurturing and valuing the lives of others. It was evident that Grant could not bear the thought of treating people as property, just as many of us today consider our pets as family members.
In the face of societal norms, Grant embarked on a journey of travel, leaving behind the conventional path to chart a new course. Parallel to this, many today seek unique experiences through travel, challenging the mundane and embracing the unfamiliar.
Lastly, Grant's resolution to act on his principles rather than pursuing the material gains of car ownership might inspire our contemporary shopping habits. He chose to prioritize the authentic satisfaction of doing the right thing over the fleeting pleasures of acquiring objects, a resonating message in today's consumer culture.
