QuoteProject
A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man that actions, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of friends.
George Washington
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

True friendship is measured by actions rather than just words.

This quote by George Washington emphasizes the importance of actions in defining the strength and reliability of friendships. It suggests that mere words or superficial acquaintance are insufficient to gauge true friendship, and that the way friends behave towards one another serves as a more accurate reflection of their loyalty and attachment to each other.

Themes

FriendshipActionsWordsLoyaltyTrust

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech on the value of true friends, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of loyalty over mere words.

More from George Washington

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
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

Similar quotes

Don't hang out with a bunch of people who drag you down when you can hang out with one person who makes you feel good.
Mark MansonRead
A blessed thing it is to have a friend; one human soul whom we can trust utterly; who knows the best and worst of us, and who loves us in spite of all our faults; who will speak the honest truth to us, while the world flatters us to our face, and laughs at us behind our back; who will give us counsel and reproof in a day of prosperity and self-conceit; but who, again, will comfort and encourage us in days of difficulty and sorrow, when the world leaves us alone to fight our own battle as we can.
Charles KingsleyRead
Yes, Harry Potter!” said Dobby at once, his great eyes shining with excitement. β€œAnd if Dobby does it wrong, Dobby will throw himself off the topmost tower, Harry Potter!” β€œThere won’t be any need for that,” said Harry hastily.
J. K. RowlingRead
A true friend is the greatest of all blessings, and that which we take the least care of all to acquire.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
Talk well of the absent whenever you have the opportunity.
Johann Wolfgang Von GoetheRead
Blow, blow, thou winter wind, Thou art not so unkind As mans ingratitude Thy tooth is not so keen, Because thou art not seen, Although thy breath be rude. Heigh-ho sing, heigh-ho unto the green holly Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly. Then heigh-ho the holly This life is most jolly. Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky, That dost not bite so nigh As benefits forgot Though thou the waters warp, Thy sting is not so sharp As friend rememberd not.
William ShakespeareRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.