George Washington

Let me ask you, sir, when is the time for brave men to exert themselves in the cause of liberty and their country, if this is not?

It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction - to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens.

A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man that actions, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of friends.

Let vice and immorality of every kind be discouraged as much as possible in your brigade; and, as a chaplain is allowed to each regiment, see that the men regularly attend during worship. Gaming of every kind is expressly forbidden, as being the foundation of evil, and the cause of many a brave and gallant officer's and soldier's ruin.

To err is nature, to rectify error is glory.

Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful, and most noble employment of man

But lest some unlucky event should happen unfavorable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with.

The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create whatever the form of government, a real despotism. A just estimate of that love of power, and proneness to abuse it, which predominates in the human heart is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position.

I go to the chair of government with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution.

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few.

The propitious smiles of Heaven, can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained...

The Army, as usual, are without pay; and a great part of the soldiery without shirts; and though the patience of them is equally threadbare, the States seem perfectly indifferent to their cries.

It is our policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.

Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force...Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.

The Arts and Sciences, essential to the prosperity of the State and to the ornament of human life, have a primary claim to the encouragement of every lover of his country and mankind.

Reason, too late perhaps, may convince you of the folly of misspending time.

Discipline is the soul of an army.

Lenience will operate with greater force, in some instances than rigor. It is therefore my first wish to have all of my conduct distinguished by it.

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

It is impossible to reason without arriving at a Supreme Being.

Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for, I have grown not only gray, but almost blind in the service of my country. - March 15, 1783