One thing that the British are certain about is that General George Washington never quit. No matter how difficult the challenge, or how bad the weather, or how small the number of recruits, George carried on. He was after all the unanimously appointed Commander in Chief of the United Colonial Army.

He carried on courageously until Yorktown when he became the ultimate winner. What a war. But he still wasn’t finished.

I just read a story about another person who would quit. For some reason it made me think of all Washington had to endure.

Many of you will remember that Jay Leno replaced the irreplaceable Johnny Carson as the host of the Tonight Show when Johnny retired after so many very successful years. Some critics compared Jay unfavorably with Johnny and said he would soon be replaced himself. You’ll remember Jay carried on as the host for many successful years.

Jay never really worried. It has been noted that the host kept a stack of letters, unpleasant reviews, on his desk for inspiration. One of the host’s critics said he was being too nice to guests, another one said he lobs too many soft questions, and on and on.

These rude comments didn’t bother Jay however. You see, these letters were written in 1962 and were directed to Jack Paar’s replacement on the tonight show—Johnny Carson. By the way, Jack Paar had replaced Steve Allen as the first host on that show.

So, you see, despite criticism, just carry on!