“Grant and Lee: A Study in Contrasts” is a compare and contrast essay by Bruce Catton on opposing Civil War generals, Ulysses S. Grant of the Union and Robert E. Lee of the Confederacy, describing their virtues as well as their similarities and differences. It also describes Lee's surrender to Grant at Appomattox Court House. Grant's virtues resonate with me. Grant believed in self-sufficiency and the idea that respect was something to be earned, not inherited. Additionally, Grant cultivated a deep love and devotion to his home community. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Grant believed in self-sufficiency and that privilege was something every man should earn for himself, rather than something to be inherited. In his society, "No man is born for anything, except perhaps the chance to show how far he might rise." He was also humble and did not want to rise to the presidency, although he did so because of Lincoln's Republican Party nomination. While I believe that self-sufficiency and earning one's own luxuries is something to aspire to over inheritance, I also believe that everyone should have a basic standard of living and that no one should be forced to live in poverty or die because of lack of resources. . Self-sufficiency can teach important skills because of the need to learn them, as well as a sense of pride earned in earning your accomplishments and what you own, rather than inheriting them. I see Grant's self-sufficiency as something to aspire to however realistic, while remaining open to the idea of ​​outside help when needed. Humility is also something to aspire to, and one should avoid being a braggart, while at the same time having reasonable confidence in one's results. Grant believed that respect from and to others had to be earned, rather than being automatic due to a birthright. or location. “He was one of a group of men who owed reverence and obedience to no one.” “Their society may have privileges, but they would be privileges that every man would have earned for himself. Shapes and patterns meant nothing. I agree with Grant that respect should be based on actions rather than position, and that a birthright or privileged position in society should not earn you the right to disrespect and mistreat people and then expect in exchange respect and adoration. However, some use the idea of ​​“respect” as a reason to mistreat people, especially children and disadvantaged people, attacking them if they are not blindly obeyed. I believe in a basic level of respect and avoiding treating people badly; however, I also believe that you should not hesitate to defend yourself if someone else treats you or anyone else badly or with disrespect. A position should not earn respect on its own; people of an important or high position who abuse it do not deserve the respect and social standing associated with that position; respect should be earned by fulfilling the duties of one's position and treating people well. Grant had a deep sense of belonging to his national community and believed that it could only thrive as his community did. “He saw his destiny in terms of the destiny of the nation itself. As his horizons expanded, so did his.” Grant disliked war, politics, and slavery (Guelzo) and believed in war only to prevent the Confederacy from destroying the Union, rather than for the sake or necessity of war. He would fight tenaciously for the broader concept of society,/