Quotes and anectdotes from the wise to the foolish, and the courageous to the drunk

George Washington US President

  • Gender: Male
  • Citizenship: British America
  • Born: Feb 22, 1732
  • Died: Dec 14, 1799

George Washington was the first President of the United States, the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He presided over the convention that drafted the United States Constitution, which replaced the Articles of Confederation and remains the supreme law of the land.

Washington was unanimously elected President by the electors in both the 1788 - 1789 and 1792 elections. He oversaw the creation of a strong, well-financed national government that maintained neutrality in the wars raging in Europe, suppressed rebellion, and won acceptance among Americans of all types. Washington established many forms in government still used today, such as the cabinet system and inaugural address. His retirement after two terms and the peaceful transition from his presidency to that of John Adams established a tradition that continued up until Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to a third term. Washington has been widely hailed as the "father of his country" even during his lifetime.

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

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

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

Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism. Memorial Day & patriotism

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

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

Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation for it is better to be alone than in bad company. alone, good & men

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

To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace. peace & war

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

My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the earth. war

It will be found an unjust and unwise jealousy to deprive a man of his natural liberty upon the supposition he may abuse it. jealousy

Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair the rest is in the hands of God. God

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. experience

The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments. government, history, men, patience & women

The administration of justice is the firmest pillar of government. government

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

I have no other view than to promote the public good, and am unambitious of honors not founded in the approbation of my Country. good

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

Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected. happiness

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

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

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

Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. faith, good, history & peace

Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive. business & men

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

Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder. men

Government is not reason it is not eloquent it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. government

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

Mankind, when left to themselves, are unfit for their own government. government