Quotes from George Washington

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

We ought not to look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dear-brought experience.

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

My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.

A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to which end a uniform and well-digested plan is requisite; and their safety and interest require that they should promote such manufactories as tend to render them independent of others for essential, particularly military, supplies.

In politics as in philosophy, my tenets are few and simple. The leading one of which, and indeed that which embraces most others, is to be honest and just ourselves and to exact it from others, meddling as little as possible in their affairs where our own are not involved. If this maxim was generally adopted, wars would cease and our swords would soon be converted into reap hooks and our harvests be more peaceful, abundant, and happy.

Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.

Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.

Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.

Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company.

Let us therefore animate and encourage each other, and show the whole world that a Freeman, contending for liberty on his own ground, is superior to any slavish mercenary on earth.

Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.