Quotes from George Washington

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

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.

There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the enemy

Be not glad at the misfortune of another, though he may be your enemy.

Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.

no punishment, in my opinion, is to great, for the man who can build his greatness upon his country's ruin

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.

The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible.

To enlarge the sphere of social happiness is worthy of the benevolent design of a Masonic institution; and it is most fervently to be wished, that the conduct of every member of the fraternity, as well as those publications, that discover the principles which actuate them, may tend to convince mankind that the grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race. [ Letter to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, January 1793 ]

if to please the people,we offer what we ourselves disapprove, how can we afterwards defend our work? Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair. The rest is in the hands of God.

I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy.

Nothing is more essential, than that permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular Nations, and passionate attachments for others, should be excluded; and that, in place of them, just and amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated.

Religious controversies are always productive of more acrimony and irreconcilable hatreds than those which spring from any other cause. I had hoped that liberal and enlightened thought would have reconciled the Christians so that their religious fights would not endanger the peace of Society.

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.

death]...the abyss from where no traveler is permitted to return

I'll die on my feet before I'll live on my knees!

Anything will give up its secrets if you love it enough. Not only have I found that when I talk to the little flower or to the little peanut they will give up their secrets, but I have found that when I silently commune with people they give up their secrets also - if you love them enough

It is absolutely necessary... for me to have persons that can think for me, as well as execute orders.

Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for, I have grown not only gray, but almost blind in the service of my country. - March 15, 1783

Decision making, like coffee, needs a cooling process.

99% percent of failures are the ones who make excuses.

Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgment to others with modesty.

No people can be bound to acknowledge the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the united States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency

A bad war is fought with a good mind.