36 Comments

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“told him it would not be a catastrophe for the Pope to be embarrassed if acting in a good cause.” Love this!

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I really appreciate the example of positive action these notes example, and your choices from the diary that demonstrate the hopeful mind of Carter during seemingly impossible interactions, that he was not afraid of external perceptions, but committed to a greater social outcome.

These examples remind us that not only do we have opportunities for better choices but our government can also take the higher road--that it continues to exist.

I love these posts. Thank you.

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Such an amazing testament to the purposefulness of how he lived and worked as president. I love that you found and shared this--such a remarkable public figure is rare.

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Fascinating! Jimmy Carter is a national treasure. Thank you for this.

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Very cool. I recently listened to Obama’s book and wonder if he kept notes like this. He must have, after hearing the details?

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Thank you for this impactful insight into this great man’s life. To me, he has always been the real deal, as genuinely human and true as one can be to themselves and others. Even in his comment “I feel lonely.”

Nice work, young lady!

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Another gem! So much can be learned from the journals. In my latest article I talk about Carter saving Atlanta neighborhoods from a highway by building the Presidential Library. He is a good man.

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Even though I don't know much about the people who's notes you share, I'm still intrigued to get insight into their minds. Your publication is one of my favorites!

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Ooooh, I'm so glad you included this post. What a kind, intelligent, devoted human Carter is. A true social activist. I admire him so. I was just saying to a friend the other day that it's now impossible to imagine such a human was ever president! Absolutely love this line: "I told him it would not be a catastrophe for the Pope to be embarrassed if acting in a good cause." Haha. So much truth in that. Embarrassment can sometimes (not always!) be healing for all involved!

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Do one on Paramahansa Yogananda ❤️

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Feb 22Liked by Jillian Hess

Thanks for this.

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Thank you for this post, Jillian. I've been thinking about President Carter a lot lately. Noah Smith wrote a nice piece that I think is spot on. Carter will go down as a decent President, and he won't be considered a failure as historians weigh his single term. https://noahpinion.substack.com/p/repost-much-of-what-youve-heard-about.

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Feb 22Liked by Jillian Hess

I only know American politics from a distance here in the UK but did become fascinated but the presidents notes and papers through the work of Robert Caro. The sheer volume of these papers makes my mind go weird. Also wasn’t it Nixon’s obsession with writing everything down that caused the Water-gate scandal? Didn’t he get caught from all the notes he wrote about it?

Fascinating stuff, Jillian.

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A purpose driven life. Thank you for this, Jillian.

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Very cool!

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