Jimmy Carter still giving his very best in his 90s

Another book has been written about President Jimmy Carter, who has continued to inspire countless others, through his life of service, along with Rosalynn, even at the age of 96 and 93 respectively.

The new, full-length, independent biography by Jonathan Alter, is entitled, ‘His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, A Life’. The title is drawn from a story that the President often told and which he wrote about in one of his books.

Before Jimmy Carter was elected President of the United States he trained and graduated as a naval officer.

After finishing his training, he applied for a job in the navy. He was interviewed by Admiral Rickover, who was a man Carter greatly admired. The admiral was a demanding officer who said to him: “Where did you come in your class in the Naval Academy?” With a measure of pride Carter said: “Sir, I came 59th in a class of 840!”

Jimmy Carter said he expected to be showered with praise but instead he was confronted with the penetrating question: “Did you do your best?”

Carter was about to reply almost automatically with his, “Yes Sir” but he thought about it for a moment and said, “No, Sir, I didn’t always do my best.”

After a long awkward silence, the Admiral said: “Why not?!”

Jimmy Carter entitled his book, Why Not The best? and later the question became the theme of his presidential campaign.

It was a transformative question for the President and one that might be profitable for us to ponder.

Geoff Pound

geoffpound@gmail.com