Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard

Nov 25, 2024

Delve into the fascinating life of James A. Garfield, the reluctant president who rose from poverty through a love of learning. Experience the shocking tale of his assassination by Charles Guiteau, whose delusions fueled his belief in entitlement. Discover how medical ignorance and pride led to Garfield's prolonged suffering and tragic death. Garfield's humility and commitment to unity even in the face of adversity left a lasting legacy, uniting a divided nation in mourning.

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insights

INSIGHT

Learning Fueled Garfield’s Rise

James A. Garfield rose from poverty through a passionate love of learning rather than raw ambition.
His lifelong diary entries and humility shaped a leadership style focused on self-improvement and service.

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ANECDOTE

Humble Habits Stayed With Him

Garfield kept his roots and humility, once ducking under a low bridge and tipping his hat as a canal boat worker memory.
Thousands still visited his farm during the campaign because he stayed accessible and genuine.

insights

INSIGHT

Unity Over Patronage

Garfield focused on healing a divided nation and reforming the corrupt spoils system rather than personal power.
His appointments aimed to unite factions and prioritize competence over patronage.

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Garfield’s Early Life and Love of Learning

00:50 • 3min

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Garfield’s Character and Accessibility as President

04:00 • 2min

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Garfield’s Frustration with Patronage and Delegation

05:43 • 28sec

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Lack of Security and Washington Life in 1881

06:11 • 2min

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How Garfield Became President Reluctantly

08:30 • 2min

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Chester Arthur and Political Machines

10:45 • 1min

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Impact of Ordinary Citizens on Leadership

12:00 • 1min

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Charles Guiteau’s Background and Motive

13:10 • 2min

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Guiteau’s Mental State and Planning the Assassination

15:12 • 2min

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Nation’s Reaction and Garfield’s Legacy

16:49 • 3min

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Garfield’s Family Life and Personal Losses

19:40 • 2min

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Alexander Graham Bell and Other Historical Figures

21:51 • 1min

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Washington Monuments and Government Distraction

23:13 • 2min

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Joseph Brown and Loyal Staffers

24:48 • 44sec

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Garfield’s Marriage and Personal Virtues

25:32 • 55sec

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Medical Practices and Germ Theory Resistance

26:27 • 43sec

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Dr. Bliss’s Role and Medical Mistakes

27:10 • 43sec

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Alexander Graham Bell’s Efforts to Locate the Bullet

27:53 • 1min

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Garfield’s Prolonged Suffering and Wrongful Treatment

29:00 • 60sec

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Who Was Responsible for Garfield’s Death?

30:00 • 40sec

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Isolation, Public Concern, and White House Conditions

30:41 • 1min

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Heat Wave, Air Conditioning, and Public Response

31:50 • 60sec

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Autopsy Findings and Final Accountability

32:50 • 2min

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Resistance to Germ Theory and Medical Conservatism

35:13 • 2min

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Garfield’s Moral Character During Suffering

37:11 • 3min

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Public Mourning and Historical Connections

40:31 • 14sec

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Author Candice Millard and Recommendation

• Mentioned in 14 episodes

Destiny of the republic

A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President

Candice Millard

This book by Candice Millard delves into the life and assassination of James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. It highlights the dramatic events surrounding his death, including the archaic medical treatments that ultimately led to his demise. The narrative also explores the broader context of the time, including the national mood post-Civil War, the political struggles within Garfield's administration, and the roles of key figures such as Alexander Graham Bell and Vice President Chester Arthur. The book is praised for its engaging storytelling and meticulous research.

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Charles Dickens

A classic novel by Charles Dickens, following the life of David Copperfield from childhood to adulthood.

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The River of Doubt

Candice Millard

Candice Millard's "The River of Doubt" recounts Theodore Roosevelt's perilous journey down the uncharted River of Doubt in the Amazon. The book details the physical and mental hardships faced by Roosevelt and his team, highlighting their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Millard masterfully weaves together historical accounts, personal diaries, and scientific research to create a gripping narrative. The expedition's challenges and near-death experiences underscore Roosevelt's adventurous spirit and his ability to overcome obstacles. The book offers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in Roosevelt's life and the exploration of the Amazon.

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Othello

The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice

William Shakespeare

Written around 1603, 'Othello' is a tragedy that delves into the destructive nature of jealousy and the vulnerability of trust in relationships. The play follows Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, whose marriage to Desdemona is manipulated by his ensign Iago, leading to tragic consequences. Iago exploits Othello’s insecurities about his race and marriage, sowing seeds of doubt that ultimately result in the death of Desdemona and Othello's own downfall. The play is renowned for its exploration of racial and cultural issues, as well as its nuanced portrayal of human nature and the complexities of love and trust.

This nonfiction account of our nation's 20th president will knock your socks off.

Destiny of the Republic, A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard gives readers an amazing glimpse into the past. We get a front seat to the election of a man who did not want to be president but was willing to get out of his comfort zone for the good of the country, appealing to God for aid in the trial before him. He made great strides to bring a divided country together, yet little is known about James A. Garfield, “a man incapable of carrying a grudge, a poor hater but a good fighter.”.

Fatherless before the age of 2, Garfield grew up in abject poverty. Interestingly enough, so did Charles Guiteau, the man who shot him. What determined their vastly different paths? The big difference was attitude. “Garfield rose quickly through the layers of society, not with aggression or even overt ambition, but with a passionate love of learning.”

Guiteau believed he was entitled to special treatment, his work ethic was almost non-existent. He survived by asking men for money when necessary or just not paying bills when he could get away with it.,

The real cause of Garfield’s death surprised us, pride ended up being the culprit. Please join us as we unpack the sad facts about the disbelief doctors had about germs and the unwillingness of Dr. Bliss to listen to others which caused Garfield to suffer needlessly. “Ignorance is Bliss” is a quote that now has a new meaning. On the other side of the coin, there were helpful caring people who worked tirelessly to help the president (air-conditioning was invented by the Navy and Alexander Graham Bell worked on an invention to find the bullet). Garfield’s many quotes are true gems, “I’d rather be beaten in Right than succeed in Wrong.”

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