Washington's birthday is worthy of celebration - he is one of the greatest men in history. But Washington himself would likely have seen celebration of the office of the presidency itself as monarchic in nature.

In this quote, Ben Shapiro reflects on the significance of Washington's birthday as a time to celebrate one of the most important figures in American history. George Washington is often regarded as one of the greatest men in history for his leadership during the American Revolution and his role as the first President of the United States. Shapiro acknowledges that Washington deserves to be celebrated for his achievements and contributions to the founding of the nation.

However, Shapiro presents an interesting perspective on how Washington himself would have viewed the celebration. He suggests that Washington might have considered the celebration of the office of the presidency to be monarchic in nature, implying that such a practice could be seen as a form of monarchy—something Washington worked hard to avoid when establishing the United States. Washington famously stepped down from power after two terms, setting a precedent for the peaceful transition of power and the rejection of any monarchical tendencies.

The quote highlights Washington's deep commitment to the principles of democracy and republicanism, particularly his resistance to any idea that might place too much power in the hands of a single individual or office. Shapiro's comment serves as a reminder that Washington, despite his towering historical legacy, would likely have been wary of any celebration that could elevate the presidency to a status reminiscent of monarchy, which he had fought to overcome during the American Revolution.

Ultimately, Shapiro’s quote invites reflection on the balance between honoring Washington's contributions and maintaining the democratic ideals he championed. It reminds us that the United States was founded on principles that rejected the concentration of power, and that celebrating Washington’s birthday should be done with respect for the republican values he helped establish.