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
What a triumph for the advocates of despotism to find that we are incapable of governing ourselves, and that systems founded on the basis of equal liberty are merely ideal and fallacious.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the struggle between tyranny and self-governance, suggesting that failures in democracy validate authoritarianism.
George Washington's quote reveals a deep concern about the implications of failing to govern ourselves responsibly. It suggests that those who support authoritarian regimes might find validation in our shortcomings, reiterating the belief that true equality and liberty can appear idealistic and unattainable in practice. Washington points to the delicate balance between maintaining self-governance and the perils of despotism, emphasizing that the functioning of democracy is a continual challenge.
Themes
Self-GovernanceDespotismLibertyDemocracyResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a political discussion about the risks of authoritarianism.
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.
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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.
George WashingtonRead
Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.
George WashingtonRead
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