Discover the captivating tale of Cincinnatus, the Roman general who prioritized duty over power, saving his country before returning to his farm. Explore the timeless impact of this legend on figures like George Washington and the lessons we can glean about leadership and virtue. The discussion emphasizes the significance of storytelling in instilling courage and inspiration in children, contrasting it with today's more trivial narratives in children's literature.
02:27
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Cincinnatus
Cincinnatus, a Roman general, retired to his farm after serving his country.
He returned to power only when needed, saving the empire and then relinquishing control again.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Washington and Cincinnatus
George Washington knew the story of Cincinnatus and modeled his life on it.
This legend shaped Washington's life and influenced the founding of the United States.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Cherry Tree
The story of Washington and the cherry tree, though likely untrue, shaped generations.
Children were taught this story, influencing their lives and the nation.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Do you know the story of Cincinnatus? He was a Roman general who had retired to his farm until he was called to rescue his country from an invasion. Made dictator in these desperate times, he had unlimited power, which he used to save the empire… only to immediately relinquish the power and return to his farm.
Is the story true? Does it matter? George Washington knew this story—it was almost certainly read to him as a boy—and modeled his life on it. From this legend came real history—it shaped Washington’s life and the life of the country he helped found.
The same goes for the story of Washington and the cherry tree. Is it true? Probably not. But for generations, children were taught this story and it shaped real lives and the country they lived in.
Today, we don’t tell these stories enough. Children’s books are all about robots and talking dogs. Or they are preposterously inappropriate totems for parents to virtue signal with (who thought this book was a good idea?) History books as kids get older are all about facts, they’re all about punching holes in things, in showing how the heroes of the past were all racists and hypocrites.
And then we wonder why we live in a world devoid of courage. Where irony reigns and inspiration is replaced by nihilism. Of course these things are gone. There is only one way to get them back: By telling your children of Cincinnatus. Teach them the legends and myths of the past. Show them what greatness looks like, even if it’s through the haze of hagiography. Give them someone to look up to.
The Daily Dad