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
When Men are irritated, and the Passions inflamed, they fly hastily and cheerfully to Arms; but after the first emotions are over, to expect, among such People, as compose the bulk of an Army, that they are influenced by any other principles than those of Interest, is to look for what never did, and I fear never will happen
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote discusses the impulsiveness of men in the heat of passion and their motivations when it comes to warfare.
George Washington highlights the idea that in moments of irritation or passion, people may rush into action, such as going to war, driven more by immediate emotions than by higher principles. He expresses skepticism about the notion that soldiers, who form the majority of an army, operate under motives beyond personal interest, suggesting that once the initial excitement fades, their actions are largely dictated by self-serving interests.
Themes
WarEmotionInterestLeadershipPassion
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about military leadership during times of war.
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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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
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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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