25 Washington Quotes That Shaped American History

George Washington, the first president of the United States, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in American history. His wise and insightful words continue to inspire and guide Americans today.

Here are 25 memorable quotes from Washington:

1. "Government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master."

   

2. "It is better to be alone than in bad company."

3. "The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon."

4. "Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all."

5. "Religion and morality are indispensable supports to political prosperity."

   

6. "A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them."

7. "The nation which indulges towards another an habitual hatred or a habitual fondness is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its interest."

8. "The power under the Constitution will always be in the hands of the people. It is they, and they alone, who possess the power to rise up and shake off the fetters of slavery if they ever should be imposed."

9. "My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the earth."

10. "To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace."

11. "It is the duty of every man to give back to the community as much as he has taken."

12. "Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience."

13. "A man's true character comes out in his choices."

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

15. "Never despair. But if you do, work on in despair."

16. "Happiness depends more upon the internal frame of a person's own mind than on the externals of the world."

17. "I have not found, in all my travels and experience, a man whose system of conduct is always governed by an immutable rule of moral rectitude."

18. "The best way to form a virtuous and happy society is to educate its youth."

19. "The first and most essential quality in a good citizen is public spirit."

20. "The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion."

21. "It is not my intention to doubt that the people have the right to make and to alter their constitutions of government. But the constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all."

22. "The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the Republican model of Government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people."

23. "I cannot enjoin too strongly upon you the importance of unanimity and concord among yourselves. The want of them is the source of every evil."

24. "It is the duty of every good citizen to contribute to the support of the government of his choice."

25. "The happiness of the people is the sole object of all legitimate government."

These quotes provide a glimpse into the mind of one of America's greatest leaders. They offer wisdom, inspiration, and guidance that can still be applied to our lives today.