George Templer, the captivating character the left would love to erase, is a figure worthy of recognition and admiration. Picture this: a man from Devon, England, who was not just an English landowner but also an influential entrepreneur and developer during the 19th century. Born as the middle child to an aristocratic family, around 1814 to 1816, George Templer set the template for entrepreneurial brilliance and conservative principles in action. So, why does his story matter, and why should it be taken as a resume for conservative values in a world that's slowly turning towards socialism and inclusivity?
Let me break it down: Templer took up the reins to lead the family business, in spite of not being the eldest son. He was responsible for Marldon Estate, a family estate that extended over an expanse of nearly 400 acres. George took a stack of inherited problems and transformed them into a legacy of prosperity, showcasing the values of hard work and perseverance.
The crowning jewel of his achievements is the Haytor Granite Tramway. This granite tramway, established around 1820, stands as an emblem of conservative ingenuity and drive. This pioneering single-track railway exported granite to towns and cities, helping construct iconic structures like the London Bridge. And let’s not forget the Haytor Granite Tramway was almost entirely horse-drawn. Templer’s initiative not only stood as a testament to sustainable technology before it was a buzzword, but it showed the practical application of resourcefulness.
He molded a vision for a more connected economic landscape that flourished organic capitalism. Templer carried the torch of free market principles in an era when socialism was yet to implant its roots. The tramway was a critical infrastructure at a time when transport technology was largely in its infancy and removed barriers for industry and trade. Conservatives, you can thank men like George Templer for championing the ethos of minimal interference, trusting in the individual’s ability to innovate.
But wait, there's more! Instead of being overly comfy with his financial accomplishments, Templer invested in the community. He saw the potential of empowering others not with handouts, but by creating opportunities through enterprise. By developing commercial means, like quarries and brickworks, he boosted not just his wealth, but the local economy as well. His motives aligned with conservative wisdom: it helps elevate entire groups by elevating individuals. Too bad this doesn’t get textbook mention in schools now drenched in liberal politics!
Admittedly, not every aspect of Templer’s life was rosy. His risk-taking nature, typical of any staunch capitalist, led him to encounter financial troubles towards the end of his time managing the family estate. But hey, who said capitalism was devoid of risks? The moral here is about accountability and living with the consequences of your decisions—something today's crowd could learn from, instead of blaming corporations or the '1%'.
George Templer also exemplified efficiency in terms of management. His strategic skills helped maximize the estate’s productivity, further advancing landscape improvements and increasing arable lands. His efforts showcased the foresight required to sustain long-term productivity, not unlike the prudent approaches advocated by today’s economic conservatives.
In the social arena, George displayed the resilience often preached by those on the right. Even when his story seemed to dim with his financial losses, his wealth of experience became a lesson in humility and hard labor. His eventual departure to Newfoundland, Canada, reflected a readiness to reinvent himself, underlining the notion that personal liberty and individuality pave the pathway to innovation and growth.
But here's the kicker: while George Templer’s story should be celebrated, liberal historians have seemingly glossed over him, opting to elevate protagonists that fit their claimed paradigms. The selective memory in educational materials is predictable and disappointing. What would be celebrated as perseverance and ingenuity in historical texts is instead left in the shadows, quietly awaiting recognition in chronicles that value personal resilience over mass government interventions.
George Templer, embodying the spirit of entrepreneurship, individualism, and community-oriented growth, should serve as a beacon of conservative legacy. He dauntlessly took a risk, lived with its repercussions, and continued to contribute wherever he set foot. It’s the type of story that inspires dedication, character, and most of all, results-driven action—qualities that today’s culture could undeniably benefit from adopting.