Quotes by George Washington

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

It [gaming] is the child of avarice the brother of iniquity and the father of mischief.

Action not words are the true criterion of the attachment of friends.

Government is not reason it is not eloquence - it is force.

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

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.

To persevere in ones duty and be silent is the best answer to calumny.

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

I shall never ask never refuse nor ever resign an office.

My movements to the chair of government will be accompanied by feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution.

Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.

Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation for it is better to be alone than in bad company.

Heaven itself has ordained the right.

Tis our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world - as far I mean as we are now at liberty to do it.

I beg leave to assure the Congress that no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to accept this arduous employment at the expense of my domestic ease and happiness. I do not wish to make any profit from it.

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

Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive.

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.

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

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