“Grant and Lee: A Study in Contrasts” is a compare and contrast essay by Bruce Catton about 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 the Appomattox Courthouse. Grant's virtues touch me. Grant believed in self-reliance and that respect is something that is earned and not inherited. Additionally, Grant maintained a deep love and dedication to his national community. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Grant believed in self-reliance and that privilege was something each man should earn for himself, rather than something to be inherited. In his society, “no man is born for anything, except perhaps for the chance to show how high he can rise.” He was also humble and did not want to ascend to the presidency, although he did so through Lincoln's Republican Party nomination. Although I believe that self-reliance and earning one's luxuries is something one should strive for rather than inheritance, I also believe that everyone should have a basic standard of living and no one should be forced to live in poverty or die due to a lack of resources. . Self-reliance can teach important skills out of the need to learn them, as well as a sense of earned pride in having acquired your accomplishments and what you own, rather than inheriting them. I view Grant's autonomy as something to be achieved as much as is realistic, while remaining open to the idea of ​​outside help when needed. Humility is also something to strive for, and one should avoid being a braggart, while still being confident in one's accomplishments to a reasonable extent. Grant believed that respect from others had to be earned, rather than being automatic due to a birthright. or post. “He was part of a group of men who owed respect and obedience to no one.” “Their society might have privileges, but they would be privileges that each man had 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 give you the right to be disrespectful and mistreating people and then expecting respect and adoration in return. However, some use the idea of ​​"respect" as an excuse to mistreat people, especially children and the disadvantaged, lashing out at those who do not obey them blindly. I believe in a basic level of respect and avoiding mistreating people; However, I also believe that you should not hesitate to stand up for yourself if someone else treats you badly or disrespects you. A position alone should not earn respect; people in important or high positions who abuse them do not deserve the respect and social status associated with that position; respect must be earned by performing the duties of your position and treating people well. Grant had a deep sense of belonging to his national community and believed that one could only prosper as one's community did. “He saw his destiny in terms of the destiny of the nation. As his horizons broadened, 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 to/