A President should not only not be selfish, but he ought to avoid the appearance of selfishness. The people would not have confidence in a man that appeared to be grasping for office.

It is difficult for men in high office to avoid the malady of self-delusion. They are always surrounded by worshippers. They are constantly, and for the most part sincerely, assured of their greatness.

They live in an artificial atmosphere of adulation and exaltation which sooner or later impairs their judgment. They are in grave danger of becoming careless and arrogant. The chances of having wise and faithful public service are increased by a change in the presidential office after a moderate length of time.

It is necessary for the head of the nation to differ with many people who are honest in their opinions. As his term progresses, the number who are disappointed accumulates. Finally, there is so large a body who have lost confidence in him that he meets a rising opposition which makes his efforts less effective.

In the higher ranges of public service men appear to come forward to perform a certain duty. When it is performed their work is done…

While I had a desire to be relieved of the pretentions and delusions of public life, it was not because of any attraction of pleasure or idleness.

We draw our Presidents from the people. It is a wholesome thing for them to return to the people. I came from them. I wish to be one of them again.

Although all our Presidents have had back of them a good heritage of blood, very few have been born to the purple. Fortunately, they are not supported at public expense after leaving office, so they are not expected to set an example encouraging to a leisure class.

They have only the same title to nobility that belongs to all our citizens, which is the one based on achievement and character, so they need not assume superiority. It is becoming for them to engage in some dignified employment where they can be of service as others are.

In February 1905, the Coolidges were still courting. Grace seemed to be in the middle of fending off a seasonal ailment but Calvin was missing her acutely and expressed so in his letters. Here is a snippet from the 10th of that month:

My dear Grace: —

When I came in from the Banquet last night your light made me think you might be up again with your malady. I hope not. I am so sorry it is troubling you, do get some treatment for it. I didn’t enjoy the Banquet. I don’t know why, it seemed I never dreaded speaking so…

It is so pleasant today I would like to take you driving. Can’t you skip school for a sleigh? Or may I ask you to come after tea — about 7:20? Please telephone me between 4 and 4:30 if you do not decide to come — otherwise be on the watch for me so I needn’t ring for you.

I know I am always wanting something of you — perhaps you are so used to it now you don’t mind. Just think what a temptation you are and try to forgive me if I seem to ask too much.

Sincerely, Calvin

She didn’t seem to mind after all. They were married that October.

Before Coolidge was a President, he was first a wartime governor of the sixth most populous state in the Union. He had seen what the war was costing in people and materiel, the difficult decisions war required politically and culturally, and what it would take to enable victory from home on the battlefields in Europe. The Coolidges were atypical, however, when it came to doling paychecks to veterans, believing instead that reallocation of tax money would never be enough to recompense what had been given. Neither would he pander to emotions in exchange for votes.

The Coolidges, instead, turned their focus to helping correct the administrative and vocational support wounded warriors sought to heal, move forward, and find new life through the loss, pain, and hardship. A small expression of their gratitude for the men and women involved in the late war came in the Coolidge tradition of garden parties on the White House grounds, opening the people’s House to the injured and those who cared for them. Another came in his regular use of media, utilizing the radio, the press conference, and printed news to reach the nation.

As he turned thoughts to the wounded warriors facing challenges at this same season of the year in 1923, he wrote:

My warm felicitations and cordial wishes go to the war’s disabled at this Christmas time. The heart of America is with those who made the great sacrifices in defense of our ideals. Whether you continue in the hospitals fighting for recovery, or are battling to re-establish yourselves in civil pursuits, the nation will be mindful of its obligations to those so honorably stricken. Regardless of some irritations of some agencies charged with your relief, we are conscious of the duty toward the maimed, and encouraged by the continued improvement for their relief.

I am confident that the fortitude commanded for you the admiration of the world, will not falter during your struggle for physical and vocational rehabilitation. That the coming year will mark the utmost possible restoration of health, happiness, and fortune, is the devout hope of the republic for all of you.