Lessons from Ulysses S. Grant
I’ve been reading Grant by Ron Chernow, a biography of the former Union General and President Ulysses S. Grant. It’s been an eye-opening journey. Grant’s life was fraught with hardship, and he often had a knack for getting in his own way, compounding his struggles. Yet, I find myself empathizing with him, pitying him, and being in awe of him all at the same time.
One of the reasons I enjoy reading biographies is the opportunity they provide to view the complexities of human life from a high-level perspective. Biographies are full of wisdom—lessons in what to avoid and traits to emulate. Over the coming weeks, I plan to highlight key lessons from the life of Ulysses S. Grant.
After graduating from West Point Military Academy with an unremarkable record, Grant initially thrived in the military as a quartermaster during the Mexican-American War. Despite viewing the war—nicknamed “Mr. Polk’s War” in reference to then-President James K. Polk—as an unjust and politically motivated land grab, Grant performed admirably. His calm demeanor, determination, and superb horsemanship earned him high praise, and many saw great potential in him.
However, after the war, Grant’s life took a downturn. Stationed at remote military outposts, he struggled to support his family and succumbed to an alcohol problem. Several ill-conceived business ventures failed due to poor planning and misplaced trust. Betrayed multiple times in business dealings, Grant was eventually separated from his family, as he couldn’t afford to keep them with him on base. His drinking habits worsened, leading to allegations of drunkenness and an ultimatum: resign from the military or face court-martial.
With no money and no military career, Grant barely managed to make it back to his wife, Julia, who was living in Saint Louis, Missouri, with her father, a Southern slave-holding plantation owner who disapproved of Grant. Returning to his family to seek help must have been a humbling and crushing experience for him.
Ever industrious, Grant took up farming and managed to make a modest living through sheer determination. He even built a rough-hewn home with his own hands, naming it “Hardscrabble,” a stark contrast to his father-in-law’s grand “White Haven.” Reunited with his family, Grant recommitted to sobriety and generally did well as long as he was near his wife, Julia, or engaged in meaningful work. Yet, he later returned to occasional binge drinking, even during the Civil War, when not actively engaged in battle or planning.
After realizing farming was not his calling, Grant took a position at his father’s tannery business in Galena, Illinois. Reports from this period describe him as quiet, personable, and modest, though clearly uninterested in business life. The relationship between Grant’s abolitionist father and his slave-holding father-in-law further complicated family dynamics, placing Grant in a difficult position. While he was a warm and playful family man, he seemed to struggle with finding a place where he truly fit.
Fate, however, had other plans. Moving to Galena changed the trajectory of Grant’s life. Abraham Lincoln, then the newly elected president, was from Illinois, and one of his advisors, Elihu Washburne, happened to be a politically savvy friend of Grant’s. For the first time, Grant had someone in his corner who recognized his unique military talents and advocated for him. As the South formed the Confederacy and the North scrambled to fill military positions, Grant found meaningful work that allowed him to thrive. He would go on to become one of the most influential generals in American history.
Reflecting on Grant’s journey, here are some questions to consider: Have you ever felt like you couldn’t get ahead? Have you struggled with bad habits or personal setbacks? Have you been caught in the crossfire of family drama?
If so, I’m sure you’d have Grant’s sympathies. In him, you’d have a kindred spirit. Someone who in their deepest being knows they are made for more than what life has delt them in the present. My invitation to you today is to pay attention to Grant’s story. Learn from his ups and downs. And despite your current circumstances, dare to believe that fate may not be done with you. Grant was a master of dusting himself off and trying again … over and over and over again. So, consider your own life …
In what ways do you need to stand up, dust yourself off, and try again?
Keep an eye out for more themes from Grant’s life in upcoming Transformation Tips emails.
Happy to be in your corner,
Tom Page, LCPC
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