George Washington
Top AuthorFirst president of the United States
George Washington was a Founding Father and the first president of the United States. He served from 1789 to 1797. He is also known as the "Father of His Country" for his important role in leading the Continental Army to achieve victory during the American Revolutionary War and for his leadership. He also played an important role in drafting the U.S. Constitution.
48 Quotes Popular
All Quotes by George Washington
"The fate of unborn millions will now depend on the conduct of this army."
"Permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world should be avoided."
"Let there be no change by usurpation."
"It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government."
"Overgrown military establishments are inauspicious to liberty."
"The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is to have as little political connection as possible."
"The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon."
"Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."
"The name of American must always exalt the pride of patriotism."
"Citizens, by birth or choice, are a band of brothers."
"The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you."
"The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all governments."
"Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter."
"The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty is committed to the hands of the American people."
"It is infinitely better to have a few good men than many indifferent ones."
"Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair."
"Nothing can be more hurtful to the service than the neglect of discipline."
"Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country."
"Wisdom and perseverance will conquer all things."
"The consciousness of having attempted faithfully to discharge my duty is my only consolation."
"True friendship is a plant of slow growth."
"A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government."
"It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible."
"The best defense of public liberty is a jealous attention to public affairs."
"The time is now near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be freemen or slaves."
"Observe good faith and justice toward all nations."
"The liberty enjoyed by the people of this country consists in the right of every individual to claim the protection of the laws."
"Experience teaches us that it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves than to dislodge them."
"Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distresses of everyone."
"The foundation of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality."
"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few."
"Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience."
"Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected."
"Honesty will be found on examination to be the best policy."
"Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force."
"The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph."
"Real men despise battle, but will never run from it."
"It is far better to be alone than in bad company."
"Nothing is a better proof of a well‑regulated mind than a man’s ability to stop just where he is."
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
"Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder."
"Happiness depends more upon the internal frame of a person’s own mind than on the externals of the world."
"Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages."
"Discipline is the soul of an army."
"To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace."
"Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation."
"Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth."
"It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one."