George Washington Quotes

“There is nothing that gives a man consequence, and renders him fit for command, like a support that renders him independent of everybody but the State he serves.”

“There is no practice more dangerous than that of borrowing money; for when money can be had in this way, repayment is seldom thought of in time, the interest becomes a loss, exertions to raise it by dent of industry cease, it comes easy and is spent freely, and many things (are) indulged in that would never be thought of if (they were) to be purchased by the sweat of the brow.”

“The Constitution that we have is an excellent one, if we can keep it where it is.”

“There is a rank due to the United States among nations which will be withheld, if not absolutely lost, by the reputation of weakness.”

“The business being thus closed . . . dined together and took a cordial leave of each other After which I returned to my lodgings, did some business with and received the papers from the secretary of the Convention, and retired to meditate on the momentous work which had been executed.”

“Where is the man to be found who wishes to remain indebted for the defense of his own person and property to the exertions, the bravery, and the blood of others, without making one generous effort to repay the debt of honor and gratitude?”

“Interwoven is the love of liberty with every ligament of the heart.”

“No pecuniary consideration is more urgent, than the regular redemption and discharge of the public debt: on none can delay be more injurious, or an economy of time more valuable.”

“Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble.”

“True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity, before it is entitled to the appellation.”

“A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty more pressing than communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country?”

“Undertake not to teach your equal in the art himself professes; it savors arrogancy.”

“No taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant.”

“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.”

“Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force...Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.”

“There is no restraining men's tongues or pens when charged with a little vanity.”

“It was not my intention to doubt that, the Doctrines of the Illuminati, and principles of Jacobinism had not spread in the United States. On the contrary, no one is more truly satisfied of this fact than I am.”

“The last official act of any government is to loot the treasury.”

“Character enough of an opposite description ... My opinion is ... that you could as soon scrub the blackamore white, as to change the principles of a profest Democrat; and that he will leave nothing unattempted to overturn the Government of this Country.”

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

“Remember, officers and soldiers, that you are fighting for the blessings of liberty.”

“To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes to his country.”

“The executive branch of this government never has, nor will suffer, while I preside, any improper conduct of its officers to escape with impunity.”

“My observation is that whenever one person is found adequate to the discharge of a duty... it is worse executed by two persons, and scarcely done at all if three or more are employed therein.”

“To expect ... the same service from raw and undisciplined recruits, as from veteran soldiers, is to expect what never did and perhaps never will happen. Men, who are familiarized to danger, meet it without shrinking; whereas troops unused to service often apprehend danger where no danger is.”