George Washington
President George Washington
“Farewell Address, 1796: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”
“Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.”
“Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.”
“Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.”
“Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.”
“Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.”
“Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.”
“It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.”
“It will be found an unjust and unwise jealousy to deprive a man of his natural liberty upon the supposition he may abuse it.”
“The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that’s good.”
“Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.”
“It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world”