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.
May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants-while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the father of all mercies scatter light, and not darkness, upon our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in His own due time and way everlastingly happy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses a desire for peace, safety, and prosperity for all people, emphasizing the importance of community and mutual respect.
George Washington's quote reflects a vision of harmonious coexistence and safety for all individuals, particularly the descendants of Abraham. He advocates for a society where everyone can thrive in peace, uninhibited by fear, under the shade of their own resources, while also seeking guidance and benevolence in life’s journey. This sentiment underscores the value of unity, kindness, and the pursuit of happiness in a collective context.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community building, one might quote Washington to emphasize the need for mutual respect.
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.
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.
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
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.
Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.
Similar quotes
The fact is that when you make the other suffer, he will try to find relief by making you suffer more. The result is an escalation of suffering on both sides.
The envious person grows lean with the fatness of their neighbor.
And I think that, at some point, I am, as John Lewis and many others, are a bridge-builder. The goal is to bring America together and Americans. We are a great nation. But we must become a greater nation.
We began as wanderers, and we are wanderers still.
What early tongue so sweet saluteth me?
I've only ever written about one thing in my life, which is the fact that we, as human beings, have a responsibility to one another and that it's important that we empathize with others, that we organize society so that we all become happier and we all get the life we really want.