Almighty and eternal Lord God, the great Creator of heaven and earth, and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; look down from heaven in pity and compassion upon me thy servant, who humbly prostrate myself before thee.
George WashingtonRead
The foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing...is a vice so mean and low, without any temptation, that every man of sense and character detests and despises it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Cursing and swearing are seen as lowly behaviors that lack justification and are rightly condemned by those of good character.
In this quote, George Washington addresses the negative impact of cursing and swearing, characterizing these actions as not only foolish but also morally reprehensible. He suggests that there is no good reason for such behavior, and that individuals of integrity naturally reject and disdain it, emphasizing the importance of upholding a respectful and dignified manner of communication.
Themes
CursingSwearingMoralityCharacterIntegrity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about integrity, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of respectful language.
More from George Washington
All quotes βIf, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed.
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The duty of holding a Neutral conduct may be inferred, without any thing more, from the obligation which justice and humanity impose on every nation, in cases in which it is free to act, to maintain inviolate the relations of Peace and amity toward other Nations.
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We began a contest for liberty ill provided with the means for the war, relying on our patriotism to supply the deficiency. We expected to encounter many wants and distressed we must bear the present evils and fortitude
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What is most important of this grand experiment, the United States? Not the election of the first president but the election of its second president. The peaceful transition of power is what will separate this country from every other country in the world.
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Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.
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