Quotes from George Washington

Purity of morals [is] the only sure foundation of public happiness in any country.

[T]here is no truth more thoroughly established, than that there exists . . . an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness.

To stand well in the estimation of one's country is a happiness that no rational creature can be insensible of.

To please everybody is impossible; were I to undertake it, I should probably please nobody.

History and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government.

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

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.

Honesty will be found on every experiment, to be the best and only true policy; let us then as a Nation be just.

I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles the character of an "Honest Man."

The best and only safe road to honor, glory, and true dignity is justice.

Our country's honor calls upon us for a vigorous and manly exertion; and if we now shamefully fail, we shall become infamous to the whole world.

It is not the mere study of the Law, but to become eminent in the profession of it, which is to yield honor and profit.

Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.

I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations, in examples of justice and liberality.

When there is no vision, there is no hope.

But if we are to be told by a foreign Power . . . what we shall do, and what we shall not do, we have Independence yet to seek, and have contended hitherto for very little.

If we mean to support the liberty and independence which has cost us so much blood and treasure to establish, we must drive far away the demon of party spirit and local reproach.

99% of failures come from people who make excuses.

Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone, and let your hand give in proportion to your purse.

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

It may be laid down as a primary position, and the basis of our system, that every Citizen who enjoys the protection of a Free Government, owes not only a proportion of his property, but even of his personal services to the defense of it.

Extensive powers not exercised as far as was necessary have, I believe, scarcely ever failed to ruin the possessor.

I cannot conceive a rank more honorable, than that which flows from the uncorrupted choice of a brave and free people, the purest source and original fountain of all power.