Quotes by

George Washington

Lenience will operate with greater force, in some instances than rigor. It is therefore my first wish to have all of my conduct distinguished by it. – George Washington

I know of no pursuit in which more real and important services can be rendered to any country than by improving its agriculture, its breed of useful animals, and other branches of a husbandmans cares. – George Washington

The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference – they deserve a place of honor with all thats good. – George Washington

We are persuaded that good Christians will always be good citizens, and that where righteousness prevails among individuals the Nation will be great and happy. Thus while just government protects all in their religious rights, true religion affords to government its surest support. – George Washington

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

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

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

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

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

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. – George Washington

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

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

Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism. – George Washington

Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder. – George Washington

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

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

Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected. – 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

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

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