Let’s explore the book of virtues that George Washington copied at 14 and followed throughout his life. These virtues are based on Aristotle's writings but have been enhanced over the centuries. We can translate them into modern language and find practical ways to apply them.
Number Forty-four
When a man does all he can, though it succeeds not well, blame not him that did it.
This virtue can be rephrased in modern language as: "When someone puts in their best effort but doesn't achieve the desired outcome, don't criticize them for trying." It reflects a virtue of empathy, fairness, and understanding, essentially judging people by their intentions and efforts rather than solely by results.
Meaning in Modern Terms
This virtue recognizes that success isn’t always within a person’s control. It encourages us to value hard work, determination, and good faith, even when things don’t turn out perfectly. In today’s world, where outcomes are often emphasized over process (think performance reviews, social media metrics, or project deadlines), this principle reminds us to cut people slack when they’ve genuinely done their best.
Practical, Contemporary Application
In the Workplace
Imagine a colleague who spent weeks preparing a presentation for a client, but the client rejects it due to factors beyond their control (like budget cuts). Instead of blaming them for "failing," acknowledge their effort, maybe say, "You put in a ton of work, and it showed. We’ll figure out the next step together." This builds morale and encourages risk-taking without fear of unfair judgment.
In Personal Life
If a friend tries to cook dinner for you but burns the meal despite following the recipe, don’t mock them. Appreciate the gesture: "Thanks for trying; it means a lot that you went for it." It fosters kindness and keeps relationships supportive.
Self-Application
Don't beat yourself up when you attempt something new, like learning a skill or starting a side hustle, and it flops. Reflect on what you learned and give yourself credit for the effort. For example, if you launch a blog and get no readers, focus on the fact that you wrote and published it; that’s a win.
Online Context
This virtue could mean pausing before piling on criticism on platforms like X, where people often judge others harshly based on a single post or outcome. If someone shares a project that didn’t land well but clearly took effort, a response like, "Props for putting it out there, even if it didn’t hit," aligns with this idea.
In short, it’s about shifting focus from perfection to persistence. In a fast-paced, results-obsessed world, applying this means creating space for growth, resilience, and compassion, both for others and yourself.
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