Jimmy Carter’s passing at 100 invites reflection on a life filled with public service, humanitarian achievements, and a profound sense of humility. Few visits to his hometown of Plains, Georgia, capture his essence better than the 2011 journey made by journalist Lawrence Wright, accompanied by Gerald Rafshoon, Carter’s former media adviser. Their purpose? To delve into the Camp David Accords—Carter’s defining legacy—and the three towering figures behind it: Carter, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin.
A Humble Home, A Global Vision
Carter’s home in Plains was a modest ranch house, reflecting the values he carried throughout his life. Wright describes the scene vividly: Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, seated on a couch in a room that felt straight out of a storybook. Behind them hung a painting Carter had made of the very space, complete with rocking chairs and a grandfather clock, imbuing the moment with a sense of timelessness.
Despite the simplicity of his surroundings, Carter’s mind was always on global issues. At the time of Wright’s visit, Carter, then 86, exuded a down-to-earth charm, even as he discussed topics as weighty as peace in the Middle East. His unshaven face and casual attire—a blue shirt blending into a matching couch—stood in stark contrast to the polished image of a statesman, yet this authenticity was precisely what endeared him to so many.
The Camp David Legacy
The Camp David Accords, brokered by Carter in 1978, remain a landmark in diplomacy. Wright’s visit to Plains highlighted the intricate personalities of the three leaders who forged the historic peace treaty.
- Jimmy Carter: An evangelical Christian and a political outsider, Carter’s faith and moral compass guided his presidency, shaping his approach to diplomacy.
- Anwar Sadat: As Egypt’s president, Sadat’s bold decision to negotiate with Israel shocked many in the Arab world, but it showcased his vision for peace.
- Menachem Begin: The Israeli leader, a Holocaust survivor and former head of the Irgun, brought a complex mix of pragmatism and ideology to the table.
These three men, each with a history marked by struggle and resilience, spent 13 intense days at Maryland’s Camp David, hammering out a peace treaty that endures to this day.
A Marriage Built on Mutual Respect
Carter’s partnership with Rosalynn was another cornerstone of his life. Wright’s account of their interaction is both humorous and revealing. When Carter remarked that he found Wright’s article on Scientology “most intriguing,” Rosalynn quipped, “Since when did you start reading The New Yorker?” Carter’s protestation—“I read it every week!”—was met with an eye-roll from Rosalynn, showcasing the candid dynamic of a couple who had shared a lifetime of joys and challenges.
Their relationship began in Plains, where Rosalynn grew up next door to the Carter family. Though they didn’t start dating until Jimmy returned from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1945, their bond quickly deepened. After just one date, Jimmy told his mother he intended to marry Rosalynn—a promise he fulfilled the following year.
A Legacy of Integrity
Carter’s tenure as president may have been marred by economic struggles and international crises, but his post-presidency achievements eclipsed these challenges. From founding the Carter Center to eradicate diseases like Guinea worm to his hands-on work with Habitat for Humanity, Carter redefined what it meant to be a former president.
His values—honesty, humility, and an unwavering commitment to justice—set him apart in a political landscape often dominated by partisanship and personal ambition. As Wright’s visit to Plains illustrates, Carter’s priorities were remarkably prescient, emphasizing peace, human rights, and environmental stewardship long before these issues gained widespread attention.
A Contrast to Modern Politics
Reflecting on Carter’s life, one can’t help but note the stark contrast between his leadership style and the divisiveness of contemporary politics. His genuine concern for others, willingness to admit mistakes, and focus on long-term solutions stand as a poignant reminder of what public service can—and should—be.
As the world mourns Jimmy Carter, it also celebrates a life well-lived and a legacy that will inspire generations to come. From the peanut fields of Plains to the global stage, Carter’s journey was one of unwavering dedication to making the world a better place.
