Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience.
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Quotes by George Washington
Explore 31 verified and sourced quotes attributed to George Washington. Open any quote for its dedicated page, source details and related topics.
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Selected quotes by George Washington
To persevere in one's duty, and to be silent is the best answer to calumny.
I make it my constant prayer that God would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind, which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion; without a humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy nation.
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert those pillars of human happiness, those firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.
The foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing is a vice so mean and low, that every person of sense and character detests and despises it.
My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.
If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.
Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.
To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.
It is better to be alone than in bad company.
Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.
Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.
It is far better to be alone, than to be in bad company.
If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known, that we are at all times ready for War.
Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.
The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.
My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the earth.
We should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly bought experience.
True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity, before it is entitled to the appellation.
Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light.
Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.
It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.
The basis of our political system is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government.
Impressed with a conviction that the due administration of justice is the firmest pillar of good government, I have considered the first arrangement of the judicial department as essential to the happiness of our country and to the stability of its’ political system—hence the selection of the fittest characters to expound the laws, and dispense justice, has been an invariable object of my anxious concern.
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