Success Lessons from Alexander Hamilton
For months, the hottest ticket on Broadway was for Hamilton, An American Musical. The hip-hop production about the controversial Alexander Hamilton won numerous awards and ignited an interest in the gentleman whose picture appears on the American $10 bill. The musical is based on the 700 page biography of Alexander Hamilton written by Ron Chernow. Whether or not you plan to read the book, you can take some success lessons from one of American’s most interesting founding fathers.
1. Get a mentor.
Hamilton immigrated to what would become the United States as an orphaned teenager. He eventually became George Washington’s chief assistant during the Revolutionary War. Hamilton was appointed the new nation’s first treasury secretary, and he was also Washington’s chief policy adviser. Washington was a father figure, adviser and friend to Hamilton for over 20 years. It is unlikely that Hamilton would have accomplished so much without the influence and guidance of George Washington.
2. Turn back to God.
When Hamilton was a student at Kings College, which is now Columbia University, he was known as a devout Christian who was seen saying his prayers before beginning his day. Although Hamilton was a member of Trinity Church and had a family pew, he stopped attending church and left the religious education of his children to his wife. However, the conversations that he had with friends, family and clergy during the last several hours of his life indicate that he returned to the faith in the last few years of his life. Also, in the final letters that he wrote he discussed his Christian faith.
3. Excel in more than one area.
Hamilton was brilliant. He considered studying medicine but decided to become an attorney. After completing his service as treasury secretary, he returned to practicing law. However, Hamilton also became a general in the army and was the head of his political party. Additionally, he started a bank and a newspaper.
4. Admit your mistakes.
Hamilton had an adulterous affair that lasted several months. When he was about to be publicly exposed, he wrote and published a short book providing details of the incident. While this method of admitting a mistake is questionable, the historical record suggests that Hamilton’s wife, family and in-laws forgave his indiscretion.
5. Marry someone who complements you and who understands you.
Hamilton and his wife were married for over 20 years and had eight children before his death. Eliza Hamilton was content to raise the children and manage the household while Hamilton fought a war, built the nation’s financial system and ran a thriving law practice. Eliza understood Hamilton’s zeal to prove himself on American soil, and she provided the support and nurturing that he needed.
6. Honor your parents.
Hamilton’s father abandoned the family when Hamilton was 10 years old. However, Hamilton maintained contact with his father for the next 30 years. Hamilton repeatedly invited his father to come to the states and live with him, and Hamilton mailed his father a stipend until the older man’s death.
7. Open your heart to the less fortunate
Once Hamilton was established in the states, he and his wife supported widows and orphans, often taking children into their home. Hamilton was an active participant in the anti-slavery movement.
Hamilton’s life indicates that he knew and practiced Godly principles such as honoring his father and caring for widows and orphans. Examine your life. Are you leaving a rich heritage of goodness and kindness that your descendants can respect and repeat?
