Quotes by George Washington

Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience.

— George Washington

Education

To persevere in one's duty, and to be silent is the best answer to calumny.

— George Washington

Wisdom

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.

— George Washington

Love

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.

— George Washington

Happiness

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.

— George Washington

Wisdom

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.

— George Washington

Success

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

— George Washington

Freedom

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

— George Washington

Wisdom

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

— George Washington

Wisdom

It is better to be alone than in bad company.

— George Washington

Wisdom

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

— George Washington

Success

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.

— George Washington

Wisdom

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

— George Washington

Wisdom

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.

— George Washington

Wisdom

Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.

— George Washington

Freedom

The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.

— George Washington

Wisdom

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

— George Washington

Wisdom

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.

— George Washington

Wisdom

True 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

Friendship

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

— George Washington

Truth

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

— George Washington

Wisdom

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

— George Washington

Wisdom

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

— George Washington

Wisdom

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.

— George Washington

Happiness