QuoteProject
It is on great occasions only, and after time has been given for cool and deliberate reflection, that the real voice of the people can be known.
George Washington
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The true opinions of people surface only during significant moments after thoughtful consideration.

George Washington suggests that genuine public sentiment emerges during crucial events, but only when people have had the opportunity to reflect rationally. This highlights the importance of introspection and the depth of feeling that can influence collective opinion, especially in pivotal times.

Themes

PeopleVoiceReflectionOpinionOccasions

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about civic engagement, one might say, 'As George Washington stated, it is on great occasions only that the real voice of the people can be known.'

More from George Washington

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
If, 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.
George WashingtonRead
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.
George WashingtonRead
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
George WashingtonRead
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.
George WashingtonRead
Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.
George WashingtonRead

Similar quotes

It is an error to believe that Christ did not teach a determined body of doctrine applicable to all times and to all men, but rather that He inaugurated a religious movement adapted, or to be adapted, to different times and different places.
Pope Pius XRead
So much of the news was invented for propaganda.
Elsa MoranteRead
You like every one; that is to say, you are indifferent to every one.
Oscar WildeRead
The Consul felt a pang. Ah, to have a horse, and gallop away, singing, to someone you loved perhaps, into the heart of all the simplicity and peace in the world; was that not like the opportunity afforded man by life itself? Of course not. Still, just for a moment, it had seemed that it was.
Malcolm LowryRead
Possession of material riches, without inner peace, is like dying of thirst while bathing in a lake. If material poverty is to be avoided, spiritual poverty is to be abhorred. For it is spiritual poverty, not material lack, that lies at the core of all human suffering.
Paramahansa YoganandaRead
To be religious is to have one's attention fixed on God and on one's neighbour in relation to God.
C. S. LewisRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.