If asked to name the most intellectually gifted and prepared presidents of the United States, many historians and history buffs would likely begin chronologically with John Adams and proceed by naming his two immediate successors - Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. All three leaders of the nascent republic, who had been steeped in classical educations, had lifelong affinities for not only reading about the ancient world in Greek and Latin but also for producing letters and books based on a scholarly collection of eclectic sources. Indeed, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, constructed both directly and indirectly by the second, third and fourth presidents, were derived from an array of classical and near contemporary influences..
After Madison, John Quincy Adams is often mentioned as possibly the most erudite savant to ever enter the White House. Aside from having had both rigorous training in the classics and a Harvard education (following in the footsteps of his father), his years abroad in Europe and Russia in various diplomatic capacities gave him a worldliness unmatched by any president before or after his time in office (1825-29). Woodrow Wilson, of course, would appear on any list due to being the only president to have earned a doctorate, but the intellectual prowess of James Garfield, who was tragically struck down by an assassins bullet only fifteen years after the notorious act committed by John Wilkes Booth, is often overlooked as a result of his short tenure in office. If Charles Guiteau had failed in his attempt to murder Garfield, the 20th president would rightly be remembered as a unique individual with a truly gifted mind.
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Nearly two decades after his birth in rural Ohio, Garfield diffidently entered a prep school in a nearby town. While becoming acquainted with advanced studies in math, philosophy and languages at Geauga Academy, he also discovered a talent for public speaking in a forensics club. From Geauga, Garfield moved on to the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute at Hiram in August 1851. At what would become (and still is) Hiram College two years after the Civil War, Garfield thrived on a punishing curriculum of classical study. Waking up before dawn at 4 or 5am, he would launch into a ten to twelve hour day of reading Livy, Homer and other ancient literary figures in their original languages. Beyond being a man of letters, Garfield also managed to teach himself geometry and further sharpen his debating skills. In fact, his exceptional oratorical skills led to gaining uncommon notoriety among both the faculty and the students.
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After a highly successful intellectual incubation at Hiram, Garfield received the honor being accepted into prestigious Williams College in northwestern Massachusetts. Under the tutelage of Mark Hopkins, the president of the elite institution, Garfield reached his highest intellectual and academic potential. From 1854-56, he broadened his academic horizons by studying astronomy and political economy, and a sudden interest in politics, which had not materialized until attending Williams, began to take root. After receiving plaudits from his mentors and peers alike, Garfield was selected to give the keynote address at his graduation ceremony in 1856.
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In only a few short years, Garfield had gone from a minimally educated rural youth to a man with a formidable command of languages, history and politics. As few persons in 19th century rural America were capable of aspiring to similar accomplishment, Garfield must be recognized as possessing uncommon intellectual powers similar to that of Thomas Jefferson and Woodrow Wilson.
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Beyond being a tale of mere fecundity, the education of James Garfield is also an inspirational story of self-initiative, persistence and triumph. As such, he should be considered an exemplary character for college students of the present and the future.
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J Roquen
