Quotes from George Washington

Let us with Caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.

Observe good faith and justice towards all Nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be that good policy does not equally enjoin it?

The United States of America should have a foundation free from the influence of clergy.

Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation deserts the oaths . . . ?

Without virtue, and without integrity, the finest talents and the most brilliant accomplishments can never gain the respect, and conciliate the esteem, of the truly valuable part of mankind.

I conceive a knowledge of books is the basis upon which other knowledge is to be built.

Leadership is not only having a vision, but also having the courage, the discipline, and the resources to get you there.

Religion and morality are the essential pillars of civil society.

I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent.

The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism.

The aggregate happiness of the society, which is best promoted by the practice of a virtuous policy, is, or ought to be, the end of all government . . . .

I beg you be persuaded that no one would be more zealous than myself to establish effectual barriers against the horrors of spiritual tyranny, and every species of religious persecution.