“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” (Abraham Lincoln). Stories and examples of powerful leaders and influential trailblazers fill history books, teaching about the significance that he or she made in the world. However, these stories do not go into detail about the character that make up these leaders, the countless hours spent refining themselves, and the impact on those around them. Often times, the teaching of leadership provides little to no explanation of the attributes behind the leader. While the importance of the accomplishment of these influential leaders remains, their character teaches on an entirely new level of significance. Character consists of numerous aspects, including empathy, selflessness, and confidence, all of which make for a remarkable leader. Frequently, people see successful leaders as cold and disdain; however, growing up in the military provided me with the realization that the true leaders empathize with those around them. At the age of nine, I met General Milligan. Confident, self-assured, demonstrative, and in command, she held the power and everyone around her knew it. General Milligan held authority over …show more content…
George Washington showed the ability of self-abnegation in his character, and led America successfully through this ability. For example, George Washington declined the offer of absolute power and reign as King of America. He knew that America did not need another king, nor someone to hold power over them. Because of his ability to put the peoples needs above the singular desire of power and riches, he helped found a great nation with equal rights and prosperity. George Washington held a great deal of power, and could have chosen to do whatever he pleased with it, but due to his outstanding character and selflessness, he chose the