George Washington Quotes & Sayings

A hundred thousand men, coming one after another, cannot move a Ton weight; but the united strength of 50 would transport it with ease. — George Washington

In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression I could wish; that they will control the usual current of the passions, or prevent our nation from running the course which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations ... moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism; this hope will be a full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare, by which they have been dictated. — George Washington

It is our boast, that a man's religious tenets will not forfeit the protection of the Laws ... — George Washington

It is yet to be decided whether the Revolution must ultimately be considered as a blessing or a curse: a blessing or a curse, not to the present age alone, for with our fate will the destiny of unborn millions be involved. — George Washington

Freemasonry is founded on the immutable laws of Truth and Justice and its grand object is to promote the happiness of the human race. — George Washington

My anxious recollections, my sympathetic feeling, and my best wishes are irresistibly excited whensoever, in any country, I see an oppressed nation unfurl the banners of freedom. — George Washington

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. — George Washington

Occupants of public offices love power and are prone to abuse it. — George Washington

But if the laws are to be so trampled upon with impunity, and a minority is to dictate to the majority, there is an end put at one stroke to republican government, and nothing but anarchy and confusion is to be expected thereafter ... — George Washington

It is better to be alone than in bad company. — George Washington

A sensible woman can never be happy with a fool. — George Washington

As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality. — George Washington

Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence ... the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake. — George Washington

They (the Jews) work more effectively against us, than the enemy's armies. They are a hundred times more dangerous to our liberties and the great cause we are engaged in ... It is much to be lamented that each state, long ago, has not hunted them down as pest to society and the greatest enemies we have to the happiness of America. — George Washington

It is our policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world. — George Washington

It is absolutely necessary ... for me to have persons that can think for me, as well as execute orders. — George Washington

The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism ... — George Washington

Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us have none, or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves, by artificial ties, in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities. — George Washington

There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily — George Washington

We are either a United people, or we are not. If the former, let us, in all maters of general concern act as a nation, which have national objects to promote, and a national character to support. If we are not, let us no longer act a farce by pretending to it. — George Washington

however much such loans may temporarily relieve the situation, the Government is still indebted for the amount of the surplus thus accrued, which it must ultimately pay, while its ability to pay is not strengthened, but weakened by a continued deficit. — George Washington

A passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils — George Washington

It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and, at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. — George Washington

Being a politician makes your hair turn white. — George Washington

It's only natural for unbridled partisanship, unrestrained by allegiance to a greater cause, to lead to chaos. — George Washington

[Let] the poor the needy and oppressed of the Earth, and those who want Land, resort to the fertile lands of our western country, the second land of Promise, and there dwell in peace, fulfilling the first and great commandment. — George Washington

While we are contending for our own liberty, we should be very cautious not to violate the conscience of others, ever considering that God alone is the judge of the hearts of men, and to Him only in this case are they answerable. — George Washington

Do not conceive that fine clothes make fine men any more than fine feathers make fine birds. — George Washington

99% percent of failures are the ones who make excuses. — George Washington

Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your reputation. Be not apt to relate news, if you know not the truth thereof. Speak no evil of the absent, for it is unjust. Undertake not what you cannot perform, but be careful to keep your promise. There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth, and pursue it steadily. Nothing but harmony, honesty, industry and frugality are necessary to make us a great and happy nation. — George Washington

The whole duty of man is summed up in obedience to God's will. — George Washington

I die hard but am not afraid to go. — George Washington

Nothing short of self-respect and that justice which is essential to a national character ought to involve us in war. — George Washington

Anything will give up its secrets if you love it enough. Not only have I found that when I talk to the little flower or to the little peanut they will give up their secrets, but I have found that when I silently commune with people they give up their secrets also - if you love them enough — George Washington

It is much easier at all times to prevent an evil than to rectify mistakes. — George Washington

I wish to see the sons and daughters of the world in Peace and busily employed in the more agreeable amusement of fulfilling the first and great commandment, Increase and Multiply : as an encouragement to which we have opened the fertile plains of the Ohio to the poor, the needy and the oppressed of the Earth; any one therefore who is heavy laden, or who wants land to cultivate, may repair thither and abound, as in the Land of promise, with milk and honey: the ways are preparing, and the roads will be made easy, thro' the channels of Potomac and James river. — George Washington

Since the death of my father four years ago, our lives have become difficult, and I must help my family. — George Washington

[The adoption of the Constitution] will demonstrate as visibly the finger of Providence as any possible event in the course of human affairs can ever designate it. — George Washington

I am again called upon by the voice of my country to execute the functions of its Chief Magistrate. — George Washington

If we remain one people, under an efficient government, the period is not far off when we may defy material injury from external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel. — George Washington

The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government. — George Washington

In executing the duties of my present important station, I can promise nothing but purity of intentions, and, in carrying these into effect, fidelity and diligence. — George Washington

It exists under different shapes in all Governments ... but in those of the popular form it is seen in its greatest rankness and is truly their worst enemy. — George Washington

During this period, so many important events have occurred, and such changes in men and things have taken place, as the compass of a letter would give you but an inadequate idea of. None of which events, however, nor all of them together, have been able to eradicate from my mind, the recollection of those happy moments - the happiest of my life - which I have enjoyed in your company. — George Washington

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. — George Washington

But if we are to be told by a foreign Power ... what we shall do, and what we shall not do, we have Independence yet to seek, and have contended hitherto for very little. — George Washington

Let your countenance be pleasant, but in serious matters let it be somewhat grave. — George Washington

Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition ... or caprice? — George Washington

No measure can be more desirable, whether viewed with an eye to its intrinsic importance, or to the general sentiment and wish of the Nation than to establish a systematic and effectual arrangement for the regular redemption and discharge of the public debt. — George Washington

While I reiterate the professions of my dependence upon Heaven ... I will observe that ... no man who is profligate in his morals ... can possibly be a true Christian. — George Washington

Went to church and fasted all day. — George Washington

It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one. — George Washington

Do not spare any reasonable expense to come at early and true information; always recollecting, and bearing in mind, that vague and uncertain accounts of things [are] ... more disturbing and dangerous than receiving none at all. — George Washington

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

The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country. — George Washington

The best means of forming a manly, virtuous, and happy people will be found in the right education of youth. Without this foundation, every other means, in my opinion, must fail. — George Washington

In a word, if this country can steer clear of European politics, stand firm on its bottom, and be wise and temperate in its government, it bids fair to be one of the greatest and happiest nations in the world. — George Washington

It gives me real concern to observe ... that you should think it necessary to distinguish between my personal and public character, and confine your esteem to the former. — George Washington

Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness. — George Washington

There is no restraining men's tongues or pens when charged with a little vanity. — George Washington

Love is said to be an involuntary passion, and it is, therefore, contended that it cannot be resisted. This is true in part only, for like all things else, when nourished and supplied plentifully with ailment, it is rapid in its progress; but let these be withdrawn and it may be stifled in its birth or much stinted in its growth. — George Washington

It is an old adage that honesty is the best policy-this applies to public as well as private life-to States as well as individuals. — George Washington

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

Make the most of the Indian Hemp Seed and sow it everywhere. — George Washington

Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light. — George Washington

The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation. — George Washington

My death has not yet quite arrived, but it is near and inevitable as night follows day. — George Washington

Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all — George Washington

There is nothing which can better deserve our patronage than the promotion of science and literature. Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness. — George Washington

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. — George Washington

We have abundant reason to rejoice that in this Land the light of truth and reason has triumphed over the power of bigotry and superstition, and that every person may here worship God according to the dictates of his own heart. In this enlightened Age and in this Land of equal liberty it is our boast, that a man's religious tenets will not forfeit the protection of the Laws, nor deprive him of the right of attaining and holding the highest Offices that are known in the United States. — George Washington

To the efficacy and permanency of your union a government for the whole is indispensable. — George Washington

I can only say that there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do, to see a plan adopted for the abolition of it - but there is only one proper and effectual mode by which it can be accomplished, and that is by Legislative authority: and this, as far as my suffrage will go, shall never be wanting. — George Washington

It is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government. — George Washington

I consider it an indubitable mark of mean-spiritedness and pitiful vanity to court applause from the pen or tongue of man. — George Washington

There was not a member of the Constitutional Convention who had the least objection to what is contended for by the advocates for a Bill of Rights and trial by jury. — George Washington

History and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government. — George Washington

May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants-while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the father of all mercies scatter light, and not darkness, upon our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in His own due time and way everlastingly happy. — George Washington

It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free Country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration, to confine themselves within their respective Constitutional spheres; avoiding in the exercise of the Powers of one department to encroach upon another. — George Washington

I use no Porter ... in my family, but such as is made in America: both these articles may now be purchased of an excellent quality. — George Washington

May Heaven to this Union continue its beneficence — George Washington

[T]he first transactions of a nation, like those of an individual upon his first entrance into life make the deepest impression, and are to form the leading traits in its character. — George Washington

In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars. — George Washington

No country upon earth ever had it more in its power to attain these blessings than United America. Wondrously strange, then, and much to be regretted indeed would it be, were we to neglect the means and to depart from the road which Providence has pointed us to so plainly; I cannot believe it will ever come to pass. — George Washington

When firearms go, all goes - we need them every hour. — George Washington

However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion. — George Washington

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. — George Washington

The advancement of agriculture, commerce and manufactures, by all proper means, will not, I trust, need recommendation. But I cannot forbear intimating to you the expediency of giving effectual encouragement as well to the introduction of new and useful inventions from abroad, as to the exertions of skill and genius in producing them at home. — George Washington

The common and continual mischief's [sic] of the spirit of party are sufficient to make it the interest and the duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it. It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which find a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passion. — George Washington

Why should I expect to be exempt from censure; the unfailing lot of an elevated station? My Heart tells me it has been my unremitted aim to do the best circumstances would permit; yet, I may have been very often mistaken in my judgment of the means. — George Washington

I was sorry to see the gloomy picture which you drew of the affairs of your Country in your letter of December; but I hope events have not turned out so badly as you then apprehended. Of all the animosities which have existed among mankind, those which are caused by a difference of sentiments in religion appear to be the most inveterate and distressing, and ought most to be deprecated. I was in hopes, that the enlightened and liberal policy, which has marked the present age, would at least have reconciled Christians of every denomination so far, that we should never again see their religious disputes carried to such a pitch as to endanger the peace of Society.
[Letter to Edward Newenham, 20 October 1792 about violence between Catholics and Protestants] — George Washington

Laws made by common consent must not be trampled on by individuals. — George Washington

Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter without adequate inducement or justification. — George Washington

We are persuaded that good Christians will always be good citizens, and that where righteousness prevails among individuals the Nation will be great and happy. Thus while just government protects all in their religious rights, true religion affords to government it's surest support. — George Washington

Letters of friendship require no study. — George Washington

I wish to walk in such a line as will give most general satisfaction. — George Washington

Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment. — George Washington

Those who have committed no faults want no pardon. We are only defending what we deem our indisputable rights. — George Washington

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

I can truly say I had rather be a Mount Vernon than to be attended at the Seat of Government by the Officers of State and the Representatives of every Power in Europe. — George Washington