George Washington on Independence Day
1732–1799 United States
← All quotes by George Washington
12 quotes
Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.
Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports.
Farewell Address (1796)
Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment.
Farewell Address (1796)
I have the consolation to believe, that, while choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not forbid it.
Farewell Address (1796)
Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.
We are apt to run from one extreme into another. To anticipate & prevent disasterous contingencies would be the part of wisdom & patriotism.
To anticipate & prevent disastrous contingencies would be the part of wisdom & patriotism.
[N]othing is more essential than that permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular nations, and passionate attachments for others, should be excluded; and that, in place of them, just and amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated.
farewell address (1796)
Citizens by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of AMERICAN, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.
For if Men are to be precluded from offering their Sentiments on a matter, which may involve the most serious and alarming consequences, that can invite the consideration of Mankind, reason is of no use to us; the freedom of Speech may be taken away, and, dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep, to the Slaughter.
Put none but Americans on guard tonight.
Attributed
It will be found an unjust and unwise jealousy, to deny a man the liberty he hath by nature upon a supposition that he may abuse it.
Misattributed