Quotes from George Washington

the harder the conflict, the greater the triumph.

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

If ever again our nation stumbles upon unfunded paper, it shall surely be like death to our body politic. This country will crash.

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.

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

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.

A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man that actions, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of friends.

My death has not yet quite arrived, but it is near and inevitable as night follows day.

My ardent desire is... to keep the United States free from political connexions with every other Country. To see that they may be independent of all, and under the influence of none.

The best means of forming a manly, virtuous, and happy people will be found in the right education of youth. Without this foundation, every other means, in my opinion, must fail.

The investigation of mathematical truths accustoms the mind to method and correctness in reasoning, and is an employment peculiarly worthy of rational beings.

Let us impart all the blessings we possess, or ask for ourselves, to the whole family of mankind.

Father I cannot tell a lie. I did it with my little hatchet.

Since the death of my father four years ago, our lives have become difficult, and I must help my family.

We should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly bought experience.

My manner of living is plain and I do not mean to be put out of it. A glass of wine and a bit of mutton are always ready.

If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few.

True friendship is a plant of slow growth.

Be not forward, but friendly and courteous; the first to salute, hear and answer; and be not pensive when it is time to converse.

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

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

Nothing short of self-respect and that justice which is essential to a national character ought to involve us in war; for sure I am, if this country is preserved in tranquillity twenty years longer, it may bid defiance, in a just cause, to any power

A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to which end a uniform and well-digested plan is requisite