Quotes from George Washington

Unhappy it is, though, to reflect that a brother's sword has been sheathed in a brother's breast and that the once-happy plains of America are either to be drenched with blood or inhabited by slaves. Sad alternative! But can a virtuous man hesitate in his choice?

Some day, following the example of the United States of America, there will be a United States of Europe.

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

if Men are to be precluded from offering their Sentiments on a matter, which may involve the most serious and alarming consequences, that can invite the consideration of Mankind, reason is of no use to us; the freedom of Speech may be taken away, and dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep, to the Slaughter.

LIBERTY, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.

Wherein you reprove another be unblameable yourself, for example is more prevalent than precepts.

No pecuniary consideration is more urgent, than the regular redemption and discharge of the public debt: on none can delay be more injurious, or an economy of time more valuable. ~Message to the House of Representatives, 3 December 1793

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.

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

Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment.

Do not suffer your good nature ... to say yes when you ought to say no; remember that it is a public not a private cause that is to be injured or benefitted by your choice

Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad Company.