WIST Quotations

Washington, George -- “Farewell Address” (17 Sep 1796)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and, at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a People always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
“Farewell Address” (17 Sep 1796)

Washington, George -- “Farewell Address” (17 Sep 1796)

Dave — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:31:05 +0000

They will avoid the necessity of those overgrown Military establishments which, under any form of government, are inauspicious to liberty, and which are to be regarded as particularly hostile to Republican Liberty.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
“Farewell Address” (17 Sep 1796)

Washington, George -- “Farewell Address” (17 Sep 1796)

Dave — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:50:36 +0000

Timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
“Farewell Address” (17 Sep 1796)

Washington, George -- “Farewell Address” (17 Sep 1796)

Dave — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 13:49:42 +0000

In proportion as the structure of a government gives forces to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
“Farewell Address” (17 Sep 1796)

Washington, George -- “Farewell Address” (17 Sep 1796)

Dave — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 01:59:31 +0000

No taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
“Farewell Address” (17 Sep 1796)

Washington, George -- “Letter to the Hebrew Congregation at Newport,” Rhode Island (17 Aug 1790)

Dave — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:57:48 +0000

It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it were the indulgence of one class of people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights, for, happily, the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
“Letter to the Hebrew Congregation at Newport,” Rhode Island (17 Aug 1790)

Full text.

Washington, George -- “Letter to the members of the Volunteer Association and other Inhabitants of the Kingdom of Ireland who have lately arrived in the City of New York” (2 Dec 1783)

Dave — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:14:44 +0000

The bosom of America is open to receive not only the Opulent and respectable Stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all Nations And Religions; whom we shall wellcome to a participation of all our rights and previleges, if by decency and propriety of conduct they appear to merit the enjoyment.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
“Letter to the members of the Volunteer Association and other Inhabitants of the Kingdom of Ireland who have lately arrived in the City of New York” (2 Dec 1783)

Washington, George -- “Rules of Civility” (1747)

Dave — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 13:59:30 +0000

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 (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
“Rules of Civility” (1747)

Washington, George -- (Attributed)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

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

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
(Attributed)

Washington, George -- (Attributed)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
(Attributed)

Unsourced. First attributed to "The First President of the United States" in "Liberty and Government" by W. M., in The Christian Science Journal (Nov 1902) [ed. Mary Baker Eddy].

Variant: "Government is not reason, it is not eloquence — it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action."

More information on this quotation's origins and inspiration: Quote Origin: Government Is Like Fire, a Dangerous Servant and a Fearful Master – Quote Investigator®.

Washington, George -- (Attributed)

Dave — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:30:41 +0000

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

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
(Attributed)

Washington, George -- Copybook (1748)

Dave — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:20:34 +0000

When a man does all he can though it Succeeds not well, blame not him that did it.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Copybook (1748)

From Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation, #44, an update of Decency of Conversation Among Men by French Jesuits (1595) [tr. Hawkins (1640)].

Washington, George -- Essay (1796-09-17), “Farewell Address,” Claypoole’s American Daily Advertiser, Philadelphia (1796-09-19)

Dave — Mon, 04 May 2009 11:51:21 +0000

The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their Constitutions of Government. But the Constitution which at any time exists, ’till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole People, is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the People to establish Government presupposes the duty of every Individual to obey the established Government.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Essay (1796-09-17), “Farewell Address,” Claypoole’s American Daily Advertiser, Philadelphia (1796-09-19)
(Source)

Washington, George -- Essay (1796-09-18), “Farewell Address,” Claypoole’s American Daily Advertiser, Philadelphia

Dave — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 13:34:23 +0000

It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those intrusted with its administration to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism. A just estimate of that love of power and proneness to abuse it which predominates in the human heart is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Essay (1796-09-18), “Farewell Address,” Claypoole’s American Daily Advertiser, Philadelphia
(Source)

The original draft of "The Address of Gen. Washington to the People of America on His Declining the Presidency of the United States" was by James Madison in June 1792. At the end of his second term, Washington, with the help of Alexander Hamilton, revised it for release and publication.

Washington, George -- Farewell Address (17 Sep 1796) [with A. Hamilton]

Dave — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 13:26:29 +0000

There can be no greater error than to expect or calculate upon real favors from nation to nation. It is an illusion which experience must cure, which a just pride ought to discard.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Farewell Address (17 Sep 1796) [with A. Hamilton]

Washington, George -- Fifth Annual Message, Philadelphia (3 Dec 1793)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 18:00:00 +0000

There is a rank due to the United States, among nations, which will be withheld, if not absolutely lost, by the reputation of weakness. 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 (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Fifth Annual Message, Philadelphia (3 Dec 1793)
(Source)

Washington, George -- First Inaugural Address, draft (Apr 1789)

Dave — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:06:39 +0000

Should, hereafter, those incited by the lust of power and prompted by the Supineness or venality of their Constituents, overleap the known barriers of this Constitution and violate the unalienable rights of humanity: it will only serve to shew, that no compact among men (however provident in its construction and sacred in its ratification) can be pronounced everlasting and inviolable, and if I may so express myself, that no Wall of words, that no mound of parchm[en]t can be so formed as to stand against the sweeping torrent of boundless ambition on the side, aided by the sapping current of corrupted morals on the other.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
First Inaugural Address, draft (Apr 1789)

Washington, George -- Letter (1775-09-14) to Benedict Arnold, “Charge to the Northern Expeditionary Force”

Dave — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 15:02:31 +0000

I also give it in charge to you to avoid all disrespect of the religion of the country, and its ceremonies. Prudence, policy, and a true Christian spirit, will lead us to look with compassion up their errors without insulting them. While we are contending for our own liberty, we should be very cautious not to violate the rights of conscience in others, ever considering that God alone is the judge of the hearts of men, and to him only in this case are they answerable.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Letter (1775-09-14) to Benedict Arnold, “Charge to the Northern Expeditionary Force”
(Source)

Regarding the invasion of (Catholic) Quebec, Canada.

Washington, George -- Letter (1790-11-01) to Comte de Moustier

Dave — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:09:49 +0000

The aggregate happiness of the society, which is best promoted by the practice of a virtuous policy, is, or ought to be, the end of all government.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Letter (1790-11-01) to Comte de Moustier

See Adams (1776).

Washington, George -- Letter (1796-09-17), “Farewell Address” [with J. Madison, A. Hamilton]

Dave — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 05:33:15 +0000

Though in reviewing the incidents of my Administration I am unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence, and that, after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Letter (1796-09-17), “Farewell Address” [with J. Madison, A. Hamilton]
(Source)

Published in the American Daily Advertiser, Philadelphia (1796-09-19).

Washington, George -- Letter to Alexander Hamilton (28 Aug 1788)

Dave — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 23:31:58 +0000

Still 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.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Letter to Alexander Hamilton (28 Aug 1788)
(Source)

Washington, George -- Letter to Bushrod Washington (15 Jan 1783)

Dave — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:50:50 +0000

Do not conceive that fine Clothes make fine Men, any more than fine feathers make fine Birds.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Letter to Bushrod Washington (15 Jan 1783)

Washington, George -- Letter to Bushrod Washington (15 Jan 1783)

Dave — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:23:59 +0000

[Gambling] is the child of Avarice, the brother of Iniquity, and father of Mischief.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Letter to Bushrod Washington (15 Jan 1783)

Washington, George -- Letter to Bushrod Washington (15 Jan 1783)

Dave — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:49:44 +0000

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. 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 (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Letter to Bushrod Washington (15 Jan 1783)

Washington, George -- Letter to Edward Newenham (30 Oct 1792)

Dave — Wed, 06 May 2015 12:08:12 +0000

Of all the animosities which have existed among mankind, those which are caused by a difference of sentiments in religion appear to be the most inveterate and distressing, and ought to be deprecated. I was in hopes that the enlightened and liberal policy, which has marked the present age, would at least have reconciled Christians of every denomination so far that we should never again see the religious disputes carried to such a pitch as to endanger the peace of society.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Letter to Edward Newenham (30 Oct 1792)

Washington, George -- Letter to George William Fairfax (31 May 1775)

Dave — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 00:41:26 +0000

Unhappy it is though to reflect, that a Brother’s Sword has been sheathed in a Brother’s breast, and that, the once happy and peaceful plains of America are either to be drenched with Blood, or Inhabited by Slaves. Sad alternative! But can a virtuous Man hesitate in his choice?

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Letter to George William Fairfax (31 May 1775)
(Source)

Washington, George -- Letter to Gov. William Livingston (7 Dec 1779)

Dave — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:46:47 +0000

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

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Letter to Gov. William Livingston (7 Dec 1779)

Washington, George -- Letter to Harriet Washington (30 Oct 1791)

Dave — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:56:15 +0000

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

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Letter to Harriet Washington (30 Oct 1791)

Washington, George -- Letter to Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee (22 Sep 1788)

Dave — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 12:29:37 +0000

Though I prize, as I ought, the good opinion of my fellow citizens; yet, if I know myself, I would not seek or retain popularity at the expense of one social duty or moral virtue.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Letter to Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee (22 Sep 1788)

Washington, George -- Letter to Henry Knox (1 Apr 1789)

Dave — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:31:54 +0000

Integrity and firmness is all I can promise; these, be the voyage long or short, never shall forsake me although I may be deserted by all men. For of the consolations which are to be derived from these (under any circumstances) the world cannot deprive me.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Letter to Henry Knox (1 Apr 1789)

Written four weeks before assuming the Presidency.

Washington, George -- Letter to Henry Knox (1 Apr 1789)

Dave — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:04:10 +0000

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: so unwilling am I, in the evening of a life nearly consumed in public cares, to quit a peaceful abode for an Ocean of difficulties, without that competency of political skill, abilities, and inclination, which is necessary to manage the helm.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Letter to Henry Knox (1 Apr 1789)

To the Acting Secretary of War, just prior to Washington's assuming the Presidency.

Washington, George -- Letter to Jonathan Trumbull (7 Aug 1776)

Dave — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:03:44 +0000

To trust altogether in the justice of our cause, without our own utmost exertions, would be tempting Providence.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Letter to Jonathan Trumbull (7 Aug 1776)

Washington, George -- Letter to the New Church (22 Jan 1793)

Dave — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 20:58:00 +0000

We have abundant reason to rejoice, that, in this land, the light of truth and reason has triumphed over the power of bigotry and superstition, and that every person may here worship God according to the dictates of his own heart. In this enlightened age, & in this land of equal liberty, it is our boast, that a man’s religious tenets will not forfeit the protection of the laws, nor deprive him of the right of attaining & holding the highest offices that are known in the United States.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Letter to the New Church (22 Jan 1793)
(Source)

Washington, George -- Letter to the United Baptist Chamber of Virginia (May 1789)

Dave — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 11:53:29 +0000

If I could conceive that the general government might ever be so administered as to render the liberty of conscience insecure, I beg you will be persuaded, that no one would be more zealous than myself to establish effectual barriers against the horrors of spiritual tyranny, and every species of religious persecution.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Letter to the United Baptist Chamber of Virginia (May 1789)

Washington, George -- Letter to William Livingston (7 Dec 1779)

Dave — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 16:23:03 +0000

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

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Letter to William Livingston (7 Dec 1779)

Washington, George -- Speech to the Officers at Newburgh (15 Mar 1783)

Dave — Thu, 01 May 2014 12:59:37 +0000

If Men are to be precluded from offering their Sentiments on a matter, which may involve the most serious and alarming consequences, that can invite the consideration of Mankind, reason is of no use to us; the freedom of Speech may be taken away, and dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep, to the Slaughter.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
Speech to the Officers at Newburgh (15 Mar 1783)
(Source)

Washington, George -- State of the Union (8 Jan 1790)

Dave — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:21:48 +0000

There is nothing which can better deserve your patronage, than the promotion of Science and Literature. Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of publick happiness.

George Washington (1732–1799) American military leader, Founding Father, US President (1789–1797)
State of the Union (8 Jan 1790)