Remembering a great man; President Jimmy Carter

President Jimmy Carter was a mentor of mine. In as much I have read all he has written and had been written about the man. He was a man of quiet greatness, a quiet presence I try to replicate poorly.

I was upset when I heard he died. His passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in American history. A peanut farmer turned president, Carter’s life was defined by service, humility, and integrity. Long after leaving the Oval Office, he built homes for those in need, championed peace, and proved that greatness is not about titles—it’s about actions.

But perhaps the most profound lesson from his life comes from a story he shared about his time at the U.S. Naval Academy. During an interview for a coveted position with Admiral Rickover, Carter was asked about his performance at the Academy. He proudly replied that he had graduated 59th in a class of 820—an impressive accomplishment.

The admiral’s next question was simple: But did you always do your best?”

Carter paused. He knew the answer. It wasn’t always his best. He faltered, admitting that he hadn’t always given everything he could. Admiral Rickover stared at him and asked, “Why not?”

That moment stayed with Carter for the rest of his life. It’s a question that pierces through excuses and self-satisfaction. It demands introspection. Why not give your best? Why not push a little harder, dig a little deeper, and rise above complacency?

Carter turned that moment of discomfort into a guiding principle. He didn’t always succeed, but he strived to embody the values of effort, honesty, and service.

As we reflect on his legacy, we might ask ourselves the same question: Are we doing our best? Not just in work or achievement, but in kindness, in service, and in the pursuit of what truly matters.

Jimmy Carter’s life was a testament to the power of doing good—even when it’s not easy, even when it’s not perfect. The question isn’t whether we’ll always succeed. The question is: Why not try?