George Washington quotes

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

George Washington

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

George Washington

Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation, for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company.

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.

George Washington

Anything will give up its secrets if you love it enough. Not only have I found that when I talk to the little flower or to the little peanut they will give up their secrets, but I have found that when I silently commune with people they give up their secrets also, if you love them enough.

George Washington

Citizens by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of AMERICAN, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.

George Washington

There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the enemy.

George Washington

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

As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality.

George Washington

I do not mean to exclude altogether the idea of patriotism. I know it exists, and I know it has done much in the present contest. But I will venture to assert, that a great and lasting war can never be supported on this principle alone. It must be aided by a prospect of interest, or some reward.

George Washington

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

George Washington

Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.

George Washington

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

George Washington

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

George Washington

It is a maxim founded on the universal experience of mankind that no nation is to be trusted farther than it is bound by its interest.

George Washington

Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force. Like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master.

George Washington

Worry, the interest paid by those who borrow trouble.

George Washington

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

George Washington

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

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.

George Washington

The tumultuous populace of large cities are ever to be dreaded. Their indiscriminate violence prostrates for the time all public authority, and its consequences are sometimes extensive and terrible.

George Washington

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

George Washington

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

George Washington