History lives on, on both sides of the ocean. The birth of America was not an overnight sensation, as Napoleon Hill continues to illustrate here.
More Historical Masterminding
Meanwhile, the British were not idle. They, too, were doing some planning and “Master-Minding” on their own account, with the advantage of having money to back them and organized soldiery.
The Crown appointed Gage to supplant Hutchinson as the Governor of Massachusetts. One of the new Governor’s first acts was to send a messenger to call on Samuel Adams, for the purpose of endeavoring to stop his opposition—by fear.
We can best understand the spirit of what happened by quoting the conversation between Col. Fenton, (the messenger sent by Gage), and Adams.
What’s In It For You?
Col. Fenton: “I have been authorized by Governor Gage, to assure you, Mr. Adams, that the Governor has been empowered to confer upon you such benefits as would be satisfactory, [endeavor to win Adams by promise of bribes], upon the condition that you engage to cease in your opposition to the measures of the government. It is the Governor’s advice to you, Sir, not to incur the further displeasure of his majesty. Your conduct has been such as makes you liable to penalties of an Mt of Henry VIII, by which persons can be sent to England for trial for treason, or misprision of treason, at the discretion of a governor of a province. But, by changing your political course, you will not only receive great personal advantages, but you will make your peace with the King.”
Samuel Adams had his choice of two decisions. He could end his opposition, and receive personal bribes, or he could continue and run the risk of being hanged!
Decision Time
Clearly, the time had come when Adams was forced to instantly reach a decision which could cost his life. The majority of men would have found it difficult to reach such a decision. The majority would have sent back an evasive reply, but not Adams! He insisted upon Col. Fenton’s word of honor, that the Colonel would deliver to the Governor the answer exactly as Adams would give it to him.
Adams’ answer–“Then you may tell Governor Gage that I trust I have long since made my peace with the King of Kings. No personal consideration shall induce me to abandon the righteous cause of my Country. And, tell Governor Gage it is the advice of Samuel Adams to him, no longer to insult the feelings of an exasperated people.”
Confidently Inspiring
Adams’ reply is inspiring as an historical account, but there is more that we should take from it—the definite purpose and confidence to pursue the path or paths that are right for us each as individuals. This applies as much to wealth creation and personal success as it does to anything else worth pursuing in life.
Sean Rasmussen
Success Communicator
Aussie Internet Marketer © 2004 – 2010
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
G’day Sean,
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Cheers
Harry
Harry Lynn´s last blog ..Vale – Ed Thigpen
Hi Sean, Imagine having a secure community with men of this integrity and stamina as government representatives. Men of this stamina were the framers of the The Annotated Constitution of the Australian Commonwealth (1901) and is why we have the best constitution in the world.
Hi Sean
Confidence. Something that I have had a personal journey with over the last 10 years or so. Sometimes you have no choice but to be confident, especially when it comes to pursuing your dreams. At least pretend to be confident – the old “fake it ’til you make it”, or what I prefer “act as if”. It’s one thing to be confident in yourself for your own sake. And it’s another where others look to you for leadership, advice or just someone to look up to. I like your words “confidently inspiring”. There’s no other way to inspire.
Lina Nguyen´s last blog ..How to make comments online and build your online persona
To go against the grain when it’s what you believe is the only way to get to where you want to be. I often voice my opinion and get ridiculed because I’m not being “realistic” and yet I feel I am. If everyone mastered the idea of believing the impossible instead of being bribed with the idea of reality we’d be in a much better position as a community, province, country, nation, and world.
Sarah Butland´s last blog ..My Book Review of Wondrous Strange by Leslie Livingston
Confidence is something that I have STRUGGLED with ALL my life. I really admire the people who will pursue their dreams regardless of obstacles, what other people say, against all odds etc – with such confidence. I often think what makes them so different?
I had an idea recently to ask stand-up comediennes for an interview at a comedy store I have been going to for the past few weeks but I chicken out. I plan to go again on Sunday & have decided to take a smaller step by asking one of the owners if it will be okay.
Samantha Banfield´s last blog ..Sean Rasmussen and his crazy talk!
Hi Sam,
I don’t think there is anything greatly different. I think they just accept that they will feel afraid but go ahead and do it anyway. They are probably shaking on the inside.
You can do this. Focus on how great you will feel when it’s done; accept that you will feel scared and go and do it anyway. Good luck!
Making Decision – which one to go? Which path to take? Take the path with least resistance, or take the path less travelled? How brave of Mr Adams to take the path that was close to him, the path that made him the man he was, to make peace with the king and to stand by his word. That is a man worth knowing. He is a leader, and I have to wonder how many looked to him for guidance.
All it takes is one leader, to stand out and then others will soon follow. Its actually also the first person to follow the leader who is important as the leader, because they realise that the power within the leader. Would of loved to be there to hear his speech in person. A fly on the wall at that conversation, now that would of been golden.
Lisa
Lisa Wood´s last blog ..Its Meant To Be
So true that it boils down to”definate purpose and confidence to pursue the right path”
But isn’t that what stops us a lot of the time, not quite sure whether we are on the right path not?Don’t we all grapple with really ‘finding our purpose?’
Isn’t it enlightening when we have that áha’ experience, or that moment where we think ÝES! this is what I was put n this earth to do.
Planning is a huge struggle for me… so many things seem to pop up & get in the way of what I would like to do. I have even tried to write out daily tasks of “stuff” I need to get done but struggle to get thru the list. So many darn distractions, or if it’s a technical issue relating to my own blog I get stuck, often I have so much “mind chatter” that I get lost.
I am great with deciding but struggle with the follow through. Maybe I need to burn some bridges to get my backside into action!!
Samantha Banfield´s last blog ..Sean Rasmussen and his crazy talk!
Deciding to oppose the wishes of a King, knowing that the consequences could be catastrophic for him and his people sure takes a lot of guts. Adams must have really believed in their cause, also knowing that the rewards were certainly worth the risks, is truely inspiring.
I can think of another Australian Historic event which as similiar to this. The Battle of the Eureka Stockage here in Ballarat. When Peter Lalor lead a his own harm of anger Miners against the Government, knowing full well that the odds were stack against them.
Cade´s last blog ..4 Tips to Improve your Trade Picks
Gusty fella, hey? Standing up to authority like that. Gotta respect the man for sticking to his guns, despite knowing who he would be pissing off regardless. And he fought back with such clever and articulate words… He didn’t even use the “F” word once!
Lina Nguyen´s last blog ..Richard Branson Business School: A day visit
Hi Sean,
Wow! Adams was prepared to risk his life and the lives of countless others for their of a free country. It must have been more than a little daunting to know that you were going to provoke the King. Adams clearly understood that they would be fighting for their lives and their freedom.
Adams had the definite of purpose to free his country from British rule and he wasn’t going to take a backward step. He was confident of the victory and wouldn’t be dissuaded from his course of action. It was clear that he had faith that despite the odds, his country would be free.
I think to have such confidence in the face of death is inspiring. Clearly he burned all his bridges and wasn’t prepared to live his life any longer in a way that went so deeply against his beliefs.
Perhaps, as Sean points out, when Fear is the weapon, it can only succeed when others agree that the ‘feared thing’ is more important than any other desired outcome.
Jo Carey-Bradshaw´s last blog ..Empowering Mindset – Mindfulness
Hi Jo,
Fear only has the power we give it. The outcome has to be more important than any fear that is holding us back. We just have to decide what is important to us.
These men were willing to die for what they believed. My choices definitely don’t have such dire consequences associated with them
Jazz Salinger´s last blog ..Sean Rasmussen – Aussie Internet Marketer Making a Difference
I have learnt that you must plan to have the confidence to move forward. being confident gives you the edge to be more able to perform at your peak.
Richard Colum´s last blog ..Tips for First Time Home Buyers
If only modern politicians had the power of their convictions rather than flipping with each poll result.
Gee´s last blog ..Why You Should Just Ignore Fad Diets (Part 2)
Hi Sean,
The bravery could be equaled to the Australians in the battle of Milne Bay, New Guinea during WW2. I recently found out that my father was there. There is no wonder he couldn’t talk about the war.
A book recently published by war historian, Brian Boettcher, The Battle for Milne Bay – Eleven Bloody Days is a story that had to be told. The Aussies just never gave up and won. The Japanese in history, had never been beaten before.
Jill Brown´s last blog ..Common Law Marriage – What is Common Law Marriage?
Hi Sean
I think confidence is a learned thing and like someone up the line said sometimes you have to fake it ’till you make it.
The thing we fear the most is rejection or ridicule, the brave men of the past would have been facing inprisonment, hanging or firing squad!