In Charles Portis 1968 novel, a man of "True Grit" is brought to life; grit being defined as having perseverance, fortitude, firmness of mind, resilience, and unyielding courage. In A General Who Will Fight: The Leadership of Ulysses S. (grant, author Harry Laver also explores a man of similar qualities. Laver challenges the reader with one overarching question: how does an ordinary young man, devoid of any apparent drive or leadership traits, rise to the rank of Commanding General of the Union Army? Laver convincingly argues that Grant had an overriding personal quality, which was "a great force of will." Laver contends that this will, this inner drive, developed throughout Grants victories during the Civil War. The author portrays a man shaped by those around him, and clearly demands that the reader question the old axiom that leaders are born not made.
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