Reviewed by Terry Moore, CCIM of “Founding Brothers” by Joseph Ellis

In Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation, Joseph Ellis examines the people who founded the American nation. Here’s my take on three important lessons from this excellent book. Our City readers make important choices; we have impact.

Every decision has risk

Looking back, history can look like everything was inevitable. But things were not so clear at the time. This country’s founders made the best decisions they could with incomplete and conflicting information, just like we do. Lesson: Make the best decision you can with what you know.

 

People do things for their reasons

George Washington understood people. He knew that high ideals were important, but not enough to sustain results because people act in what they perceive as their best interest. That’s still true today for you and all the people you deal with. Lesson: remember that everyone’s self-interest is always in play.

 

Relationships can shift based on the situation

Over the course of their lifetimes, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were allies, enemies, and friends. Relationships can change as people and situations change. Lesson: stay flexible.

We read history to understand the past so we can improve the future. We act in the present even though we know that every decision is a risk, because that’s the only way to improve the future.

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Terry Moore, CCIM, has helped decision makers choose wisely for 40 years. He is part owner of ACI, Apartment Consultants Inc, tmoore1031@gmail.com, 619-889-1031.