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 marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the tendency of people to endure unnecessary hardships imposed by their governments with patience.
George Washington's quote draws attention to the historical pattern of human behavior where both men and women accept the burdens imposed by their governing bodies, often without questioning the necessity of such burdens. It reflects a deep observation on society's compliance and the patience people display even in the face of unjust or excessive governmental demands.
Themes
GovernmentPatienceBurdenHistoryEndurance
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on civic responsibility, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of activism.
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.
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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