Authors: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

95 Great Quotes By George Washington That Will Help You Grow As An Individual

Famous As: 1st President of the United States (1789 - 1797)
Born On: February 22, 1732
Died On: December 14, 1799
Born In: Westmoreland County, Virginia, United States
Founder / Co Founder: Fathers of the United States
Died At Age: 67

If ever you had to name one person who was ever indispensible for the American Revolution and the American Independence, it definitely has to be George Washington. The inaugural President of the United States of America, he was by far the greatest leader that human race has ever known. Under his leadership, he made people rise above their insecurities and power to defeat the opponent army that was way superior to them. A man of characterand will power, Washington stood against the time tides and became the fiercest general and commander-in-chief who not just brought America its independence but gave the country its unique identity. Popularly known as the Father of United States of America, the statesman and leader in his Presidency steered the country for a glorious future by overseeing the creation of a strong and well-financed national government. Besides his glorious military and political records, Washington left behind a rich legacy of quotations that has and will be inspiring millions of people from over the globe. Read this section to dive into a rich collection of quotations by Washington that covers varied aspects of life. They surely would provide you a new perspective and a new light!

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

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

George Washington
It is better to be alone than in bad company.

It is better to be alone than in bad company.

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

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

George Washington
My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.

My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.

George Washington
Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.

Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.

George Washington
There is nothing which can better deserve our patronage than the promotion of science and literature. Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness.

There is nothing which can better deserve our patronage than the promotion of science and literature. Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness.

George Washington
The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.

The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.

George Washington
99% of failures come from people who make excuses.

99% of failures come from people who make excuses.

George Washington
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.

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.

George Washington
Paper money has had the effect in your state that it will ever have, to ruin commerce, oppress the honest, and open the door to every species of fraud and injustice.

Paper money has had the effect in your state that it will ever have, to ruin commerce, oppress the honest, and open the door to every species of fraud and injustice.

George Washington
Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.

Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.

George Washington
Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.

Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.

George Washington
Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.

Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.

George Washington
Let us therefore animate and encourage each other, and show the whole world that a Freeman, contending for liberty on his own ground, is superior to any slavish mercenary on earth.

Let us therefore animate and encourage each other, and show the whole world that a Freeman, contending for liberty on his own ground, is superior to any slavish mercenary on earth.

George Washington
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.

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.

George Washington
Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.

Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.

George Washington
Worry is the intrest paid by those who borrow trouble.

Worry is the intrest paid by those who borrow trouble.

George Washington
Happiness depends more upon the internal frame of a person’s own mind, than on the externals in the world.

Happiness depends more upon the internal frame of a person’s own mind, than on the externals in the world.

George Washington
A sensible woman can never be happy with a fool.

A sensible woman can never be happy with a fool.

George Washington
The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph.

The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph.

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

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
I conceive a knowledge of books is the basis upon which other knowledge is to be built.

I conceive a knowledge of books is the basis upon which other knowledge is to be built.

George Washington
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.

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
The turning points of lives are not the great moments. The real crises are often concealed in occurrences so trivial in appearance that they pass unobserved.

The turning points of lives are not the great moments. The real crises are often concealed in occurrences so trivial in appearance that they pass unobserved.

George Washington
Where are our Men of abilities? Why do they not come forth to save their Country?

Where are our Men of abilities? Why do they not come forth to save their Country?

George Washington
To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes to his country.

To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes to his country.

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

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

George Washington
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.

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.

George Washington
Real men despise battle, but will never run from it.

Real men despise battle, but will never run from it.

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

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

George Washington
To persevere in one's duty, and be silent is the best answer to calumny

To persevere in one's duty, and be silent is the best answer to calumny

George Washington
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

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

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

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

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

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

George Washington
It is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government.

It is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government.

George Washington
We must consult our means rather than our wishes.

We must consult our means rather than our wishes.

George Washington
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.

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.

George Washington
...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.

...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
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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

George Washington
A bad war is fought with a good mind.

A bad war is fought with a good mind.

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

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

George Washington
Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone.

Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone.

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

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

George Washington
They came with a Bible and their religion- stole our land, crushed our spirit... and now tell us we should be thankful to the 'Lord' for being saved. Chief Pontiac, American Indian Chieftain

They came with a Bible and their religion- stole our land, crushed our spirit... and now tell us we should be thankful to the 'Lord' for being saved. Chief Pontiac, American Indian Chieftain

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

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

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

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

George Washington
Wherein you reprove another be unblameable yourself, for example is more prevalent than precepts.

Wherein you reprove another be unblameable yourself, for example is more prevalent than precepts.

George Washington
The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their Constitutions of Government.

The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their Constitutions of Government.

George Washington
Individuals entering into society, must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest.

Individuals entering into society, must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest.

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

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

George Washington
George Washington famously warned against ... 'ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear

George Washington famously warned against ... 'ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear

George Washington
One of the expedients of party to acquire influence, within particular districts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts.

One of the expedients of party to acquire influence, within particular districts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts.

George Washington
Every day the increasing weight of years admonishes me more and more, that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome.

Every day the increasing weight of years admonishes me more and more, that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome.

George Washington
The great mass of our Citizens require only to understand matters rightly, to form right decisions.

The great mass of our Citizens require only to understand matters rightly, to form right decisions.

George Washington
Its good to live alone than to live in a bad company

Its good to live alone than to live in a bad company

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

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

George Washington
Decision making, like coffee, needs a cooling process.

Decision making, like coffee, needs a cooling process.

George Washington
The reflection upon my situation and that of this army produces many an uneasy hour when all around me are wrapped in sleep. Few people know the predicament we are in.

The reflection upon my situation and that of this army produces many an uneasy hour when all around me are wrapped in sleep. Few people know the predicament we are in.

George Washington
If Christ were here now there is one thing he would not be -- a Christian. Samuel Clemens

If Christ were here now there is one thing he would not be -- a Christian. Samuel Clemens "Mark Twain", American author and humorist

George Washington
LIBERTY, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.

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

George Washington
Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment.

Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment.

George Washington
Let your conversation be without malice or envy, for it is a sign of a tractable and commendable nature; and in all cases of passion admit reason to govern.

Let your conversation be without malice or envy, for it is a sign of a tractable and commendable nature; and in all cases of passion admit reason to govern.

George Washington
If the cause is advanced, indifferent is it to me where or in what quarter it happens.

If the cause is advanced, indifferent is it to me where or in what quarter it happens.

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

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

George Washington
[T]he gradual extension of our settlements will as certainly cause the savage, as the wolf, to retire; both being beasts of prey, though they differ in shape.

[T]he gradual extension of our settlements will as certainly cause the savage, as the wolf, to retire; both being beasts of prey, though they differ in shape.

George Washington
A man ought not to value himself of his achievements or rare qualities of wit, much less of his riches, virtue or kindred.

A man ought not to value himself of his achievements or rare qualities of wit, much less of his riches, virtue or kindred.

George Washington
Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest.

Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest.

George Washington
In no instance have . . . the churches been guardians of the liberties of the people. James Madison, U.S. President

In no instance have . . . the churches been guardians of the liberties of the people. James Madison, U.S. President

George Washington
Religious controversies are always productive of more acrimony and irreconcilable hatreds than those which spring from any other cause. George Washington, Revolutionary War General and U.S. President

Religious controversies are always productive of more acrimony and irreconcilable hatreds than those which spring from any other cause. George Washington, Revolutionary War General and U.S. President

George Washington
Much was to be done by prudence, much by conciliation, much by firmness.

Much was to be done by prudence, much by conciliation, much by firmness.

George Washington
I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.

I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.

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

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

George Washington
I was born a heretic. I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires. Susan B. Anthony, U.S. reformer and suffragist

I was born a heretic. I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires. Susan B. Anthony, U.S. reformer and suffragist

George Washington
I can truly say I had rather be a Mount Vernon than to be attended at the Seat of Government by the Officers of State and the Representatives of every Power in Europe.

I can truly say I had rather be a Mount Vernon than to be attended at the Seat of Government by the Officers of State and the Representatives of every Power in Europe.

George Washington
A man is accepted into a church for what he believes and he is turned out for what he knows. Samuel Clemens

A man is accepted into a church for what he believes and he is turned out for what he knows. Samuel Clemens "Mark Twain", American author and humorist

George Washington
You say there is but one way to worship the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Chief Red Jacket, Seneca Indian Chieftain

You say there is but one way to worship the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Chief Red Jacket, Seneca Indian Chieftain

George Washington
Faith, as well intentioned as it may be, must be built on facts, not fiction- faith in fiction is a damnable false hope. Thomas Edison, American inventor

Faith, as well intentioned as it may be, must be built on facts, not fiction- faith in fiction is a damnable false hope. Thomas Edison, American inventor

George Washington
System to all things is the soul of business. To execute properly and act maturely is the way to conduct it to your advantage.

System to all things is the soul of business. To execute properly and act maturely is the way to conduct it to your advantage.

George Washington
56.Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad Company.

56.Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad Company.

George Washington
Do not suffer your good nature [...] to say yes when you ought to say no; remember that it is a public not a private cause that is to be injured or benefitted by your choice

Do not suffer your good nature [...] to say yes when you ought to say no; remember that it is a public not a private cause that is to be injured or benefitted by your choice

George Washington
Those who have committed no faults want no pardon. We are only defending what we deem our indisputable rights.

Those who have committed no faults want no pardon. We are only defending what we deem our indisputable rights.

George Washington
Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principles.

Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principles.

George Washington
The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion. John Adams, U.S. President

The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion. John Adams, U.S. President

George Washington
This would be the best of all possible worlds, if there were no religion in it. John Adams, U.S. President

This would be the best of all possible worlds, if there were no religion in it. John Adams, U.S. President

George Washington
Every man thinks God is on his side. The rich and powerful know he is. Jean Anouilh, French dramatist and playwright

Every man thinks God is on his side. The rich and powerful know he is. Jean Anouilh, French dramatist and playwright

George Washington
Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.

Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.

George Washington
89th: Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.

89th: Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.

George Washington
Experience has taught us, that men will not adopt and carry into execution measures best calculated for their own good, without the intervention of a coercive power.

Experience has taught us, that men will not adopt and carry into execution measures best calculated for their own good, without the intervention of a coercive power.

George Washington
It is far better to be alone, than to be in bad company.

It is far better to be alone, than to be in bad company.

George Washington
Creationists make it sound like a 'theory' is something you dreamt up after being drunk all night. Isaac Asimov, Russian-born American author

Creationists make it sound like a 'theory' is something you dreamt up after being drunk all night. Isaac Asimov, Russian-born American author

George Washington
It is a much easier and less distressing thing to draw remonstrances in a comfortable room by a good fireside than to occupy a cold bleak hill and sleep under frost and snow without cloaths or blankets.

It is a much easier and less distressing thing to draw remonstrances in a comfortable room by a good fireside than to occupy a cold bleak hill and sleep under frost and snow without cloaths or blankets.

George Washington
90. Being Set at meat Scratch not, neither Spit, Cough, or blow your Nose except there's a Necessity for it.

90. Being Set at meat Scratch not, neither Spit, Cough, or blow your Nose except there's a Necessity for it.

George Washington