As you delve into these 86 George Washington quotes, you are connecting with the timeless wisdom of a man whose life was a testament to courage, strength, and the enduring values of integrity and freedom.
George Washington, a figure synonymous with the birth of the United States, was more than a military leader and the nation’s first president; he was a visionary whose insights transcended the era in which he lived. His deep quotes, steeped in wisdom, offer a guiding light in today’s complex world, reminding us of the importance of principles, leadership, and a free spirit.
Washington’s words resonate with a clarity that inspires and challenges, urging you to uphold the values he so dearly championed. As you reflect on his sayings, you’ll find that his wisdom is not just historical; it’s a powerful tool for understanding the essence of effective leadership and the responsibility of living a life marked by virtue and foresight.
George Washington Quotes
- “It is better to be alone than in bad company.” – George Washington
- “99% of failures come from people who make excuses.” – George Washington
- “Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience.” – George Washington
- “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.” – George Washington
- “Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.” – George Washington
- “The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference – they deserve a place of honor with all that is good.” – George Washington
- “Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.” – George Washington
- “Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.” – George Washington
- “I walk on untrodden ground.” – George Washington
- “The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.” – George Washington
- “Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble.” – George Washington
- “Make the most of the Indian hemp seed, and sow it everywhere!” – George Washington
- “Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.” – George Washington
- “I hope, some day or another, we shall become a storehouse and granary for the world.” – George Washington
- “Government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.” – George Washington
- “Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest.” – George Washington
- “Bad seed is a robbery of the worst kind: for your pocket-book not only suffers by it, but your preparations are lost and a season passes away unimproved.” – 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.” – George Washington
- “The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.” – George Washington
- “Few men have the virtue to withstand the highest bidder.” – George Washington
- “A good moral character is the first essential in a man, and that the habits contracted at your age are generally indelible, and your conduct here may stamp your character through life.” – George Washington
- “The nation which indulges towards another a habitual hatred or a habitual fondness is in some degree a slave.” – 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.” – George Washington
- “To contract new debts is not the way to pay old ones.” – George Washington
- “Mankind, when left to themselves, are unfit for their own government.” – George Washington
- “I can promise nothing but purity of intentions, and, in carrying these into effect, fidelity and diligence.” – George Washington
- “I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy.” – 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.” – George Washington
- “99% of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.” – George Washington
- “A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined.” – George Washington
- “It is infinitely better to have a few good men than many indifferent ones.” – George Washington
- “Laws made by common consent must not be trampled on by individuals.” – George Washington
- “Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.” – George Washington
- “When one side only of a story is heard and often repeated, the human mind becomes impressed with it insensibly.” – George Washington
- “The best and only safe road to honor, glory, and true dignity is justice.” – George Washington
- “Happiness depends more upon the internal frame of a person’s own mind than on the externals in the world.” – George Washington
- “True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.” – George Washington
- “It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.” – George Washington
- “Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness.” – George Washington
- “To be prepared for war, is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.” – George Washington
- “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
- “Be courteous to all, but intimate with few; and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.” – George Washington
- “I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations in examples of justice and liberality.” – George Washington
- “The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered… deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.” – George Washington
- “A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government.” – George Washington
- “The constitution vests the power of declaring war in Congress; therefore no offensive expedition of importance can be undertaken until after they shall have deliberated upon the subject and authorized such a measure.” – George Washington
- “I have no other view than to promote the public good, and am unambitious of honors not founded in the approbation of my Country.” – 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.” – George Washington
- “The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism.” – George Washington
- “Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.” – George Washington
- “A sensible woman can never be happy with a fool.” – George Washington
- “To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes to his country.” – George Washington
- “My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother.” – George Washington
- “Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.” – George Washington
- “It is far better to be alone than to be in bad company.” – George Washington
- “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.” – George Washington
- “If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” – George Washington
- “The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph.” – George Washington
- “If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” – George Washington
- “The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government.” – George Washington
- “Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all.” – George Washington
- “The administration of justice is the firmest pillar of government.” – 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.” – George Washington
- “A good moral character is the first essential in a man.” – George Washington
- “Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.” – George Washington
- “The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.” – George Washington
- “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
- “To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.” – George Washington
- “It is far better to be alone, than to be in bad company.” – George Washington
- “Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.” – George Washington
- “It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.” – George Washington
- “Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.” – George Washington
- “The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference.” – George Washington
- “Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.” – George Washington
- “My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the earth.” – George Washington
- “The constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.” – George Washington
- “Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.” – 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.” – George Washington
- “I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.” – George Washington
- “Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone.” – George Washington
- “Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair; the rest is in the hands of God.” – George Washington
- “Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.” – George Washington
- “Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.” – George Washington
- “Real men despise battle, but will never run from it.” – George Washington
- “Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light.” – George Washington
- “When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen.” – George Washington
A Note from the Author
Thank you sincerely for taking the time to read through this curated list of George Washington quotes. I hope you found these timeless words both inspiring and enlightening. If you’ve enjoyed delving into the wisdom of one of history’s great leaders, I invite you to subscribe to my newsletter. By joining, you’ll gain access to a wealth of quote collections like this one, as well as articles designed to spark inspiration, encourage personal growth, and offer practical insights for navigating life’s challenges with positivity and resilience.
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Warm regards,
Jessica Bray
