Presidents’ Day is often associated with sales and long weekends, but its roots run much deeper. Originally established to honor George Washington’s birthday, the holiday has evolved into a celebration of U.S. presidents and the leadership, ideas, and legacies they left behind. One thread quietly ties nearly every American president together: books and the written word.
America Was Built on Writing
The United States itself was born from writing. Foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence, The Federalist Papers, and The Constitution were not just legal texts—they were persuasive works of authorship meant to influence, inspire, and unify a nation. Writing wasn’t an accessory to leadership; it was leadership.
Presidents as Authors
Many U.S. presidents were prolific writers long before and after holding office.
- George Washington carefully documented his thoughts, letters, and leadership philosophies.
- Thomas Jefferson owned thousands of books and believed a well-informed public depended on access to reading.
- Abraham Lincoln, largely self-educated, credited books for shaping his moral compass and ability to communicate powerfully with everyday Americans.
- Theodore Roosevelt wrote over 35 books and believed reading was essential to building strong character.
In modern times, presidential memoirs remain some of the most influential nonfiction books published—used not only to preserve history, but to control narrative, legacy, and impact.
Why Writing Matters to Leaders (Then and Now)
Presidents understood something that still holds true today: if you don’t write your story, someone else will. Writing allows leaders to clarify their vision, record history from their perspective, and connect directly with the public—without filters.
That same principle applies to business owners, entrepreneurs, and experts today. Writing a book establishes authority, documents experience, and creates a permanent record of your ideas. In many ways, publishing a book is a modern form of leadership.
Books as a Tool for Influence
From presidential speeches to bestselling memoirs, books have always been one of the most powerful tools for shaping public thought. They educate, persuade, preserve legacy, and influence generations long after a leader is gone. A well-written book can outlive policies, trends, and even presidencies.
Honoring Presidents’ Day Through Story
This Presidents’ Day, beyond honoring the men who held office, it’s worth honoring the power of writing that helped shape a nation. The ability to put ideas into words—clearly, persuasively, and authentically—is what turns moments into movements and people into leaders.
History reminds us: leadership isn’t just about holding a title—it’s about leaving a story behind.
Richter Publishing 