George Washington Quotes

“The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible.”

“We must never despair; our situation has been compromising before, and it has changed for the better; so I trust it will again. If difficulties arise, we must put forth new exertion and proportion our efforts to the exigencies of the times.”

“With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your later days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable. I cannot... I cannot come to each of you but shall feel obliged if each of you will come and take me by the hand.”

“I conceive a knowledge of books is the basis upon which other knowledge is to be built.”

“A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to which end a uniform and well-digested plan is requisite; and their safety and interest require that they should promote such manufactories as tend to render them independent of others for essential, particularly military, supplies.”

“I only wish, while I am a servant of the public, to know the will of my masters, that I may govern my self accordingly.”

“My policy has been, and will continue to be, while I have the honor to remain in the administration of the government, to be upon friendly terms with, but independent of, all the nations of the earth. To share in the broils of none. To fulfil our own engagements. To supply the wants, and be carriers for them all: Being thoroughly convinced that it is our policy and interest to do so.”

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

“Influence is not government.”

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

“There can be no greater error than to expect, or calculate, upon real favors from nation to nation. It is an illusion which experience must cure, which a just pride ought to discard.”

“I have no other view than to promote the public good, and am unambitious of honors not founded in the approbation of my Country.”

“Letters of friendship require no study.”

“I shall make it the most agreeable part of my duty to study merit, and reward the brave and deserving.”

“Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgment to others with modesty.”

“Purity of morals [is] the only sure foundation of public happiness in any country.”

“Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone, and let your hand give in proportion to your purse.”

“It's wonderful what we can do if we're always doing.”

“Men of real talents in Arms have commonly approved themselves patrons of the liberal arts and friends to the poets, of their own as well as former times. In some instances by acting reciprocally, heroes have made poets, and poets heroes.”

“[Avoid] likewise the accumulation of debt.”

“A passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils”

“The value of liberty was thus enhanced in our estimation by the difficulty of its attainment, and the worth of characters appreciated by the trial of adversity.”

“Our cruel and unrelenting enemy leaves us only the choice of brave resistance, or the most abject submission. We have, therefore, to resolve to conquer or die.”

“The art of war is at once comprehensive and complicated; ... it demands much previous study; and ... the possession of it, in its most improved and perfect state, is always a great moment to the security of a nation. This, therefore, ought to be a serious care of every government; and for this purpose, an academy, where a regular course of instruction is given, is an obvious expedient, which different nations have successfully employed.”

“To persevere in one's duty, and be silent is the best answer to calumny”