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 last official act of any government is to loot the treasury.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Governments may ultimately prioritize their own interests over the welfare of the people.
This quote suggests a cynical view of government, implying that when faced with collapse or failure, the last action of those in power is to exploit available resources for personal gain rather than fulfilling their duty to serve the public. It reflects a distrust in governmental integrity and highlights a potential corrupt nature of political systems, emphasizing that self-interest might prevail over public service even in dire times.
Themes
GovernmentCorruptionPowerTreasuryNational Interest
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, one might reference this quote to discuss government accountability.
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.
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
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Most of us, if we're not careful, tend to dehumanize the enemy.
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