Quotes By George Washington

I can only say that there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do to see a plan adopted for the abolition of slavery.

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.

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

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

The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good.

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

Experience teaches us that it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves than it is to dislodge them after they have got possession.

My observation is that whenever one person is found adequate to the discharge of a duty... it is worse executed by two persons, and scarcely done at all if three or more are employed therein.

The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments.

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.

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

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.

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

The administration of justice is the firmest pillar of government.

It is better to be alone than in bad company.

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

It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.

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

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 it's surest support.

Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.

I have no other view than to promote the public good, and am unambitious of honors not founded in the approbation of my Country.

Firearms are second only to the Constitution in importance; they are the peoples' liberty's teeth.

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

Bad seed is a robbery of the worst kind: for your pocket-book not only suffers by it, but your preparations are lost and a season passes away unimproved.

Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair; the rest is in the hands of God.

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

Some day, following the example of the United States of America, there will be a United States of Europe.

Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.

It may be laid down as a primary position, and the basis of our system, that every Citizen who enjoys the protection of a Free Government, owes not only a proportion of his property, but even of his personal services to the defense of it.

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