A call for a restoration of professionalism in American government, as illustrated by the life of President George H. W. Bush George H. W. Bush is often regarded as the most well-prepared president ever to occupy the Oval Office. Though raised in a world of privilege, Bush was grounded in the belief that character and achievement were essential to serve the common good. In today’s political landscape, these motivations are hardly prided as hallmarks of a great leader-and our nation is experiencing the consequences of these qualities falling out of vogue. Over the course of his education, military service, business career, and decades in public life, Bush absorbed lessons from those around him, shaping a worldview rooted in service, humility, and competence. 41: George H. W. Bush and the End of the American Establishment is not only a study of what Bush learned from mentors and colleagues, but also a reflection on why experience and expertise remain vital to effective presidential leadership.
