Quotes from George Washington

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

It is well, I die hard, but I am not afraid to go.

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

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

'Tis our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances, with any portion of the foreign world.

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

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.

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.

The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.

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

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.

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

Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.

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

Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.

There can be no greater error than to expect or calculate upon real favors from nation to nation.

Let me now… warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party.

A free people ought...to be armed

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.

The administration of justice is the firmest pillar of government.

There is nothing that gives a man consequence, and renders him fit for command, like a support that renders him independent of everybody but the State he serves.

A people.. who are possessed of the spirit of commerce, who see and who will pursue their advantages may achieve almost anything

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.

Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country.