George Washington Quotes

One of his officers, Henry Lee, summed up contemporary public opinion of Washington: First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.

Avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, we should remember also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it

Be easy and condescending in your deportment to your officers, but not too familiar, lest you subject yourself to a want of respect, which is necessary to support a proper command.

The most certain way to make a man your enemy is to tell him you esteem him such.

As the first of every thing, in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent, it is devoutly wished on my part, that these precedents may be fixed on true principles.

Reason, too late perhaps, may convince you of the folly of misspending time.

The foundation of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principle of private morality.

I have the consolation to believe, that, while choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not forbid it.

[Avoid] likewise the accumulation of debt.

I die hard but am not afraid to go.

The investigation of mathematical truths accustoms the mind to method and correctness in reasoning, and is an employment peculiarly worthy of rational beings.

Because of this ever increasing discernment of the true Mason he/she will find more efficient ways to apply brotherly love, relief and truth.

A variety in punishment is of utility, as well as a proportion.

A bad war is fought with a good mind.

My ardent desire is... to keep the United States free from political connexions with every other Country. To see that they may be independent of all, and under the influence of none.

Our country's honor calls upon us for a vigorous and manly exertion; and if we now shamefully fail, we shall become infamous to the whole world.

I never say anything of a man that I have the smallest scruple of saying to him.

My opinion with respect to immigration is, that except of useful mechanics and some particular description of men and professions, there is no use of encouragement.

The States separately have very inadequate ideas of the present danger. Party disputes and personal quarrels are the great business of the day, whilst the concerns of the nation are secondary.

Influence is not government.

If we cannot learn wisdom from experience, it is hard to say where it is to be found.

The Army, as usual, are without pay; and a great part of the soldiery without shirts; and though the patience of them is equally threadbare, the States seem perfectly indifferent to their cries.

You have only one way to convince others, listen to them.

May 12-13: Sowed Hemp at Muddy hole by Swamp. August 7: Began to separate the Male from the Female at Do - rather too late.

I am principled against this kind of traffic in the human species . . . and to disperse the families I have an aversion.

Three things prompt men to a regular discharge of their duty in time of action: natural bravery, hope of reward, and fear of punishment.

The thinking part of mankind do not form their judgment from events; and their equity will ever attach equal glory to those actions which deserve success, and those which have been crowned with it.

The friendship I have conceived will not be impaired by absence; but it may be no unpleasing circumstance to brighten the chain by a renewal of the covenant.

All see, and most admire, the glare which hovers round the external happiness of elevated office.

The best way to have peace is to always be prepared to fight a way.

I dare say the men would fight very well if properly officered, although they are an exceedingly dirty and nasty people.

[death]...the abyss from where no traveler is permitted to return

Some models of self-control are able to achieve their serenity easily because the soul fires never burn brightly to begin with.

Give not advice without being asked, and when desired, do it briefly.

Leadership is not only having a vision, but also having the courage, the discipline, and the resources to get you there.

My aim has been... to keep the United States... independent of all and under the influence of none.

The U.S. is a Government which to bigotry gives no sanction, to persecution no assistance.

Happiness is more effectually dispensed to mankind under a republican form of government than any other.

My own remedy is always to eat, just before I step into bed, a hot roasted onion, if I have a cold.

The Hand of providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations.

To anticipate and prevent disasterous contingencies would be the part of wisdom and patriotism.

The eyes of all our countrymen are now upon us, and we shall have their blessings and praises, if happily we are the instruments of saving them from the tyranny meditated against them.

Facts may speak for themselves.

For it is fixed principle with me, that whatever is done should be done well.

It is not the lowest priced goods that are always the cheapest - the quality is, or ought to be as much an object with the purchaser, as the price.

Even respectable characters speak of a monarchical form of government without horror.

Nothing is too extravagant to expect from men who conceive they are ungratefully and unjustly dealt by.

I have never been a communicant.

Speak seldom, but to important subjects, except such as particularly relate to your constituents, and, in the former case, make yourself perfectly master of the subject.

When a man does all he can, though it succeeds not well, blame not him that did it.