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
Ours is a kind of struggle designed, I dare say, by Providence to try the patience, fortitude, and virtue of men. None, therefore, who is engaged in it, will suffer himself, I trust, to sink under difficulties, or be discouraged by hardships. If he cannot do as he wishes, he must do what he can.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges.
George Washington's quote reflects the notion that life's struggles are inherent to the human experience and serve a purpose in testing our virtues such as patience and fortitude. It encourages individuals to maintain their resolve and adapt to their circumstances rather than succumbing to despair, suggesting that while one may not achieve their ideal desires, making the best of a situation is a worthy pursuit.
Themes
StrugglePatienceFortitudeVirtueChallengesPerseverance
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles in life.
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.
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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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