"I only wish, while I am a..." - Quote by George Washington

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

“Government being, among other purposes, instituted to protect the consciences of men from oppression, it certainly is the duty of Rulers, not only to abstain from it themselves, but according to their stations, to prevent it in others.”

“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.”

“I found during the course of my political career on the national scene there's a point where the vanity burns away and you've had your fill of your name in the papers, or big adoring crowds, or the exercise of power. And for me that happened fairly quickly. And then you are really focused on: What am I going to get done with this strange privilege that's been granted to me? How do I make myself worthy of it?”

“Occupants of public offices love power and are prone to abuse it.”

“A lot of what is called 'public service' consists of making hoops for other people to jump through. It is a great career for those who cannot feel fulfilled unless they are telling other people what to do.”

“Access to power must be confined to those who are not in love with it.”

“How soon the labor of men would make a paradise of the earth were it not for misgovernment and a diversion of his energies to selfish interests.”

“In respect to foresight and firmness, the people are more prudent, more stable, and have better judgement than princes.”