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
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.
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
All quotes →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.
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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
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
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