Lessons from Silent Cal

Let me quote a passage from the book: "...the chapters of Coolidge's life after childhood are chapters of near failure upon near failure. Coolidge almost didn't leave the village, almost didn't make it at college, almost didn't get a job, almost didn't find a wife, almost disappointed as a state senator, almost stumbled as Massachusetts governor, almost failed to win a place on the Republican presidential ticket in 1920, and almost failed in Washington once he arrived there as vice president in 1921. As president, Coolidge almost failed to win the backing of his party, almost gave in to grief after the sudden death of his sixteen-year-old son, Calvin, Jr., and almost capitulated to a recalcitrant Congress and unruly foreign leaders. Surveying the travails of the thirtieth president, some writers have suggested that those personal defeats are the essence of the Coolidge story. They err." In reality, it is his perseverance that became the key to his repeated triumphs. Calvin wrote in his autobiography, "If I had permitted my failures, or what seemed to me at the time a lack of success, to discourage me, I cannot see any way in which I would have ever made progress."

In addition to his determination, Coolidge teaches us many leadership principles. First and foremost, he practiced great restraint. Unlike many modern politicians who feel compelled to act on every issue, Coolidge understood that sometimes the best course of action is inaction. His famous quote, "Four-fifths of all our troubles would disappear if we would only sit down and keep still," perfectly reflects his personality. He vetoed several bills despite their popularity, but don’t misunderstand—his restraint wasn't laziness but conviction. Coolidge believed that government should be limited and that economic prosperity would come from allowing businesses and individuals to thrive without excessive interference. (I cannot help but mention that this idea mirrors the perspective of BA’s founders as well.)  

Under Coolidge's leadership, the federal budget was balanced, and the national debt was reduced by one-third. He understood that fiscal responsibility was a moral issue as much as an economic one. Coolidge didn't just talk about cutting spending—he actually did it, reducing federal spending from $5.1 billion to $3.3 billion during his presidency. The "Coolidge Prosperity" saw unemployment below 5% and strong economic growth year after year. He accomplished a great deal. 

Perhaps most striking to me about Coolidge was his uncompromising personal integrity. He lived modestly, even as president, and held himself to the highest ethical standards. His incorruptibility was legendary, and he expected the same from those who served under him. He understood that public service was a sacred trust. Coolidge's example reminds us that character matters in leadership. Integrity is not just a personal virtue but a public good.

Finally, known as "Silent Cal," Coolidge was a man of few words. Yet when he did speak, people listened. His concise communication style was not a weakness but a strength. He understood the power of restraint in rhetoric as well as policy. His brevity wasn't a sign of intellectual limitation but of disciplined thinking. Sometimes, the quiet voice is the one most worth hearing.

Learning about Coolidge made me think about how we all come to understand American history. It is often shaped by our focus on a handful of famous presidents who led us during times of war or crisis—Washington, Lincoln, FDR, and Reagan. But maybe this narrow focus gives us an incomplete picture of leadership and governance. Presidents like Coolidge, who led during periods of relative peace and prosperity, offer different but equally valuable lessons. Coolidge's presidency teaches us about stewardship rather than transformation. His goal was always ‘normalcy.’ 

By studying presidents beyond the famous few, we can gain insight into a wider range of leadership styles and approaches. We learn how different qualities suit different moments in history. Coolidge reminds us that sometimes the best leadership is measured and restrained, focused on preserving what works rather than reinventing what doesn't need fixing.

Coolidge's perseverance in the face of repeated setbacks offers a powerful personal lesson. His autobiography quote about not letting failures discourage him is a good message for anyone facing challenges. His disciplined work ethic reminds us that consistency often outperforms brilliance. What great lessons for us and our students!

His communication style highlights the value of listening more than speaking, of choosing words carefully rather than filling every silence. In our age of social media, where constant sharing and performing is the norm, Coolidge's reserve suggests a different approach to personal interaction. 

His example makes me wonder what other “forgotten” presidents and other “overlooked” historical figures might be worthwhile to study. As we face the challenges of the 21st century, perhaps we need to look beyond the usual models of leadership. In Coolidge's restraint, discipline, and integrity, we find unexpected wisdom for our own time—a reminder that sometimes the quietest voice has the most to teach us.