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by OfSanguineFire 1057 days ago
> Washington didn't do it in exchange for anything.

How do you know that? Wielding absolute power makes enemies and Washington could have eventually lost everything, just like any number of historical tyrants that his circle, so keen about Greek and Roman history, were aware of. Turning down absolute power while keeping one’s immense wealth and influence can be an attractive choice, and this is the same calculus that has guided other warlords involved in revolutions up to the present day.

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He also gave up the Presidency after 2 terms, though he was a shoo-in to be re-elected.