Quotes By George Washington

Let thy carriage be such as becomes a man grave settled and attentive to that which is spoken. Contradict not, at every turn, what others say.

We have errors to correct. We have probably had too good an opinion of human nature in forming our confederation.

We must take human nature as we find it, perfection falls not to the share of mortals.

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.

Let your countenance be pleasant, but in serious matters let it be somewhat grave.

Sleep not when others speak, sit not when others stand, speak not when you should hold your peace, walk not when others stop.

If they are good workmen, they may be of Asia, Africa, or Europe. They may be Mohometans, Jews or Christians of any Sect, or they may be Atheists.

The best means of forming a manly, virtuous, and happy people will be found in the right education of youth. Without this foundation, every other means, in my opinion, must fail.

It is with pleasure I receive reproof, when reproof is due, because no person can be readier to accuse me, than I am to acknowledge an error, when I am guilty of one; nor more desirous of atoning for a crime, when I am sensible of having committed it.

Love is a mighty pretty thing; but like all other delicious things, it is cloying.

I retain an unalterable affection for you, which neither time or distance can change.

Let your conversation be without malice or envy, for it is a sign of a tractable and commendable nature; and in all cases of passion admit reason to govern.

There is a destiny which has the control of our actions, not to be resisted by the strongest efforts of human nature.

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.

The ways of Providence being inscrutable, and the justice of it not to be scanned by the shallow eye of humanity, nor to be counteracted by the utmost efforts of human power or wisdom, resignation, and as far as the strength of our reason and religion can carry us, a cheerful acquiescence to the Divine Will, is what we are to aim

An aching head and trembling limbs, which are the inevitable effects of drinking, disincline the hands from work.

A man's intentions should be allowed in some respects to plead for his actions.

I have often expressed my sentiments, that every man, conducting himself as a good citizen, and being accountable to God alone for his religious opinions, ought to be protected in worshipping the Deity according to the dictates of his own conscience.

The signal instances of Providential goodness which we have experienced and which have now almost crowned our labors with complete success demand from us in a peculiar manner the warmest returns of gratitude and piety to the Supreme Author of all good.

It is [the citizens] choice, and depends upon their conduct, whether they will be respectable and prosperous, or contemptable and miserable as a Nation. This is the time of their political probation; this is the moment when the eyes of the World are turned upon them.