George Washington Quotes

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

It will be found an unjust and unwise jealousy to deprive a man of his natural liberty upon the supposition he may abuse it.

My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, wa... -George Washington

My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the earth.

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This quote expresses a strong desire for the eradication of war, considering it a destructive and detrimental affliction upon humanity. It implies that the ultimate goal should be the elimination of war and the establishment of lasting peace on a global scale.

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.

Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ... -George Washington

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

The basis of our political system is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government.

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.

Mankind, when left to themselves, are unfit for th... -George Washington

Mankind, when left to themselves, are unfit for their own government.

Laws made by common consent must not be trampled o... -George Washington

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

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This quote emphasizes the importance of respecting laws that have been established through consensus or agreement among the general population. It suggests that individuals should not disregard or violate laws that have been collectively accepted or endorsed.

Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidde... -George Washington

Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.

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This quote suggests that only a small number of men possess the moral strength or integrity to resist being swayed or influenced by the highest bidder in matters of importance.

Let us raise a standard to which the wise and hone... -George Washington

Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair; the rest is in the hands of God.

To be prepared for war is one of the most effectiv... -George Washington

To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.

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This quote implies that maintaining a strong military capability and preparedness for war can discourage potential aggressors and contribute to maintaining peace.

Guard against the impostures of pretended patrioti... -George Washington

Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.

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This quote warns against the dangers of false or feigned patriotism. It advises individuals to be cautious and vigilant in identifying and challenging insincere displays of patriotism.

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

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

Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.

Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.

It is far better to be alone, than to be in bad co... -George Washington

It is far better to be alone, than to be in bad company.

War - An act of violence whose object is to constr... -George Washington

War - An act of violence whose object is to constrain the enemy, to accomplish our will.

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This quote defines war as an act of violence aimed at limiting or subduing the enemy in order to achieve one's own objectives. It implies that war is a deliberate and forceful endeavor used to impose one's will upon the opposing party or to secure desired outcomes.

It may be laid down as a primary position, and the basis of our system, that every Citizen who enjoys the protection of a Free Government, owes not only a proportion of his property, but even of his personal services to the defense of it.

Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains... -George Washington

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

Observe good faith and justice toward all nations.... -George Washington

Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.

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This quote promotes the principles of fairness, integrity, and peaceful coexistence among nations. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining good faith, practicing justice, and fostering harmonious relationships on a global scale.

Over grown military establishments are under any form of government inauspicious to liberty, and are to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty.

If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.

The time is near at hand which must determine whet... -George Washington

The time is near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves.

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.

The constitution vests the power of declaring war in Congress; therefore no offensive expedition of importance can be undertaken until after they shall have deliberated upon the subject and authorized such a measure.

It is better to be alone than in bad company.

I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.

Friendship is a plant of slow growth and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.

George Washington Quotes

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