Skip to content

If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known that we are at all times ready for war

— George Washington

Another quote →

More quotes by George Washington

Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.

Observe good faith and justice towards all Nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all.

Farewell Address (1796)

Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.

Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports.

Farewell Address (1796)

To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

All George Washington quotes →

Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: George Washington (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.