Quotes by George Washington

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

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

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

“It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world”

“The company in which you will improve most will be least expensive to you”

“Precedents are dangerous things; let the rein of government then be braced and held with a steady hand”

“It is not the custom with me to keep money to look at”

“Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.”

“Mankind when left to themselves, are unfit for their own Government”

“Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone, and let your hand give in proportion to your purse.”

“Some day, following the example of the United States of America, there will be a United States of Europe”

“I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an Honest Man.”

“The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism.... It should be the highest ambition of every American to extend his views beyond himself, and to bear in mind that his conduct will not only affect himself, his country, and his immediate posterity; but that its influence may be co-extensive with the world, and stamp political happiness or misery on ages yet unborn. --George Washington”

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

Experience teaches us that it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves than it is to dislodge them after they have got possession.

Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.

To enlarge the sphere of social happiness is worthy of the benevolent design of a Masonic institution; and it is most fervently to be wished, that the conduct of every member of the fraternity, as well as those publications, that discover the principles which actuate them, may tend to convince mankind that the grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race.]

[death]...the abyss from where no traveler is permitted to return

The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.

While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.