Quotes from George Washington

Experience is the surest standard by which to test the real tendency of the existing Constitution of a country

It is much easier at all times to prevent an evil than to rectify mistakes.

Nothing is more harmful to the service, than the neglect of discipline; for that discipline, more than numbers, gives one army superiority over another.

My temper leads me to peace and harmony with all men; and it is peculiarly my wish to avoid any personal feuds or dissensions with those, who are embarked in the same great national interest with myself, as every difference of this kind in its conseq

When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen.

I can only say that there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do to see a plan adopted for the abolition of slavery.

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

In general I esteem it a good maxim, that the best way to preserve the confidence of the people durably is to promote their true interest.

A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man that action, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment to friends; and that the most liberal professions of good-will are very far from being the surest marks of it.

I am for free commerce with all nations; political connection with none; and little or no diplomatic establishment.

The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.

Government is not reason, it is not eloquence. It is force, and like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.

The basis of our political system is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government.

We take the stars from heaven, the red from our mother country, separating it by white stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her, and the white stripes shall go down to posterity, representing our liberty.

The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good.

I can with truth assure you, I heard Bulletts whistle and believe me there was something charming in the sound.

Without a decisive naval force we can do nothing definitive. And with it, everything honorable and glorious.

To place any dependence upon militia, is, assuredly, resting upon a broken staff.

It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.

The time is near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves.

To acknowledge the receipt of letters is always proper, to remove doubts of their miscarriage.

Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light.

War - An act of violence whose object is to constrain the enemy, to accomplish our will.

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