When Gen. Colin Powell was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he gave a speech about Gen. George Marshall, who as Army chief of staff had, in effect, held Powell’s job during World War II and, like Powell, later served as secretary of state.

It was Marshall’s supreme humility that impressed and inspired Powell, who cited his predecessor’s refusal to write his memoirs, run for office, exploit his fame, or seek recognition and favors. “He was not a character,” Powell said. “There were no … anecdotes to spice up the legend of Marshall. He was a man driven more than anything else by a sense of duty, by the powerful, overwhelming obligation of service. … The quiet power of the man lay in his utter selflessness.”