George Washington is remembered as a Founding Father and the first President of the United States. His achievements can not be denied and he’s the most empathetic leader the US has ever had. Through his letters and speeches, he shared wisdom that continues to inspire generations of leaders today.
In honor of his birthday and the president's, we have made a collection of his quotes. The fact that George Washington’s quotes can be applied to different aspects of life. Check out more than 100 of the most inspiring and memorable quotes from George Washington.
Famous Quotes By The First President Of The United States
Washington’s influence on the nation is evident in countless ways. We see his image on the dollar bill and his statues in places like Boston Common and Wall Street. His thoughts and ideas were expressed a lot. We have shared his takes on different categories. Shape your mind with quotes from the |founding father” of the US.
On Life
George Washington's quotes on life reflect him as a human outside of his leadership and status. When he was 14, he wrote down 110 rules. These rules shaped him as a leader and remained with him throughout his life. Here’s what we collected:
- “It is better to be alone than in bad company.” — George Washington
- “Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to appellation.” — George Washington
- “Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.” — George Washington
- [Death] … the abyss from where no traveler is permitted to return.” — George Washington
- “Anything will give up its secrets if you love it enough. Not only have I found that when I talk to the little flower or to the little peanut they will give up their secrets, but I have found that when I silently commune with people they give up their secrets also—if you love them enough” — George Washington
- “I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.” — George Washington
- “Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.” — George Washington
- “Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation; for ‘tis better to be alone than in bad company.” — George Washington
- Let us therefore animate and encourage each other, and show the whole world that a Freeman, contending for liberty on his own ground, is superior to any slavish mercenary on earth.” — George Washington
- “Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.” — George Washington
- “Happiness depends more upon the internal frame of a person’s own mind, than on the externals in the world.” — George Washington
- “The turning points of lives are not the great moments. The real crises are often concealed in occurrences so trivial in appearance that they pass unobserved.” — George Washington
- “We should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly bought experience.” — George Washington
- “Nothing 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.” — George Washington
- “There is a destiny which has the control of our actions, not to be resisted by the strongest efforts of human nature.” —Letter to Mrs. George William Fairfax, September 12, 1758
On Government and Education
The presidency of George Washington is marked as one of the most important times in American history. He recognized the importance of education and understood the power of massive popularity. Here are some George Washington quotes on government and education:
- “The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their Constitutions of Government.” — George Washington
- “One of the expedients of party to acquire influence, within particular districts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts.” — George Washington
- “Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.” — George Washington
- As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality.” — George Washington
- “Respect for its authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true liberty.” —Farewell Address, September 19, 1796
- “To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes to his country.” — George Washington
- “Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.” — George Washington
- “No people can be bound to acknowledge the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency.” — George Washington
- “A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty more pressing than communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country?” — George Washington
- “There is nothing which can better deserve our patronage than the promotion of science and literature. Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness.” — George Washington
- “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.” — George Washington
- Overgrown military establishments, which, under any form of government, are inauspicious to liberty, and which are to be regarded as particularly hostile to Republican Liberty.” — George Washington
- “The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible.” — George Washington
- “It is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government.” — George Washington
- “The independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint councils and joint efforts—of common dangers, sufferings and successes.” —Farewell Address, September 19, 1796
On Success
To Washington, the idea of success is labor and hard work. In his Farewell Address, he warned against the “Spirit of Party” and sectionalism. He encouraged Americans to find success through education and morality. Here are George Washington's quotes on success:
- “It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.” — George Washington
- “99% of failures come from people who make excuses.” — George Washington
- “My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am, I owe my mother. I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual, and physical education I received from her.” — George Washington
- “No punishment, in my opinion, is too great, for the man who can build his greatness upon his country's ruin.” — George Washington
- “Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.” — George Washington
- “Experience teaches us that it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves than it is to dislodge them after they have got possession.” — George Washington
- “We must consult our means rather than our wishes.” — George Washington
- “The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph.” — George Washington
- “Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.” — George Washington
- “I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy.” — George Washington
- “Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.” —Letter to James Madison, March 2, 1788
- Bad seed is a robbery of the worst kind: for your pocketbook not only suffers by it, but your preparations are lost and a season passes away unimproved.”
On Leadership And Character
Two main reasons for Geroge’s presidential success were his unimpeachable character and willingness not to abuse power. Even as a leader, he was not afraid to learn from others. In a way, he led as an example and set a high standard for himself. Check out George Washington's quotes on leadership and character:
- “But lest some unlucky event should happen unfavorable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with.” — George Washington
- “Remember that it is the actions, and not the commission, that make the officer, and that there is more expected from him, than the title.” —Address to the officers of the Virginia regiment, January 8, 1756
- “There can be no greater error than to expect, or calculate upon real favors from nation to nation.” —Farewell Address, September 19, 1796
- “Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgment to others with modesty.” — George Washington
- “It is absolutely necessary… for me to have persons that can think for me, as well as execute orders.” — George Washington
- “Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble.” — George Washington
- “Be courteous to all, but intimate with few; and let those be well-tried before you give them your confidence.” — George Washington
- “To persevere in one's duty, and be silent is the best answer to calumny.” — George Washington
- “Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone.” — George Washington
- “Nothing is a greater stranger to my breast, or a sin that my soul more abhors, than that black and detestable one, ingratitude.” —Letter to Governor Dinwiddie, May 29, 1754
- “Be not glad at the misfortune of another, though he may be your enemy.” — George Washington
On War And Peace
George Washington's quotes on war and peace reflect his love for the US as an independent power. Washington's experiences in the French and Indian War shaped his perceptions of the relationship between the colonials and the British. Here’s what he said about war and peace:
- “In politics as in philosophy, my tenets are few and simple. The leading one of which, and indeed that which embraces most others, is, to be honest and just ourselves and to exact it from others, meddling as little as possible in their affairs where our own are not involved. If this maxim was generally adopted, wars would cease and our swords would soon be converted into reap hooks and our harvests be more peaceful, abundant, and happy.” — George Washington
- “Real men despise battle, but will never run from it.” — George Washington
- “There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the enemy.” — George Washington
- “A bad war is fought with a good mind.” — George Washington
- “Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.” — George Washington
- “The hour is fast approaching, on which the Honor and Success of this army, and the safety of our bleeding Country depend. Remember officers and Soldiers, that you are free men, fighting for the blessings of Liberty — that slavery will be your portion, and that of your posterity, if you do not acquit yourselves like men.” — George Washington
- “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion, and morality are indispensable supports.” —Farewell Address, September 19, 1796
- “To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.”
On Freedom And Love
George Washington was quite romantic and passionate about freedom. These two passions are seen throughout history. One time he signed “Your Entire George Washington” in a letter to his wife. He also advocated for freedom. The main freedom includes religious freedom and freedom from slavery. Check out George Washington's quotes on freedom and love below:
- “If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” — George Washington
- “Paper money has had the effect in your state that it will ever have, to ruin commerce, oppress the honest and open the door to every species of fraud and injustice.” —Letter to Thomas Jefferson, August 1, 1786
- “A free people ought not only to be armed but disciplined; to which end a uniform and well-digested plan is requisite; and their safety and interest require that they should promote such manufactories as tend to render them independent of others for essential, particularly military, supplies.” — George Washington
- “If to please the people, we offer what we ourselves disapprove, how can we afterward defend our work? Let us raise a standard for the wise and honest to repair. The rest is in the hands of God.” — George Washington
- “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, September 19, 1796
- “I retain an unalterable affection for you, which neither time nor distance can change.” —To Martha Washington, June 23, 1775
- “A man’s intentions should be allowed in some respects to plead for his actions.” —Letter to the speaker of the House of Burgesses, April 18, 1756
- “Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble.” —George Washington
- “Let your conversation be without malice or envy, for it is a sign of a tractable and commendable nature; and in all cases of passion admit reason to govern.” —Rules of Decent Behavior, 1745
- “A sensible woman can never be happy with a fool.” —Letter to Eleanor Parke Custis, March 21, 1796
- “Love is said to be an involuntary passion and it is therefore contended that it cannot be resisted.” —Letter to Eleanor Parke Custis, March 21, 1796
- “Love is a mighty pretty thing; but like all other delicious things, it is cloying …” —To Elizabeth Parke Custis, September 14, 1794
Funny Quotes
It’s hard to imagine George Washington being funny but he had a knack for entertainment and humor. He also believed that the United States was a favorable country for people who were industrious and frugal. Here are some funny quotes with context from the US’s first president:
- “It is assuredly better to go laughing than crying thro’ the rough journey of life.” – George Washington
- “Decision making, like coffee, needs a cooling process.” — George Washington
- “Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for, I have grown not only gray but almost blind in the service of my country.” — George Washington
- “On one side I am called upon to remember the parrot, on the other to remember the dog. For my own part, I should not pine much if both were forgotten.”
- “As I have heard since my arrival at this place, a circumstantial account of my death and dying speech, I take this early opportunity of contradicting the first, and of assuring you, that I have not as yet composed the latter.” –He wrote this to his brother John Augustine Washington when rumors of his death circulated
Why His Quotes Matter
George Washington was the eldest of Augustine and Mary Washington’s six children. He was born on February 22, 1732. We don’t have many “factual” stories from his childhood. The stories of him chopping down a cherry tree or tossing a silver dollar across the Potomac are myths. But his life is still full of remarkable achievements.
From our research, as a teenager, he demonstrated exceptional skill as an agricultural surveyor. He paved the way for his later successes.
After inheriting the family estate, Mount Vernon, Washington showed natural leadership by joining the Virginia militia. He led troops during the French and Indian War and later commanded colonial forces in the fight for independence during the Revolutionary War. His leadership during the surprise attack at Trenton in 1776 marked a turning point. During his time, he boosted American morale after a series of defeats.
Washington’s unanimous election as the first U.S. president in 1789 demonstrated the trust the young nation placed in him. Even in the end, his decision to voluntarily step down after two terms set a precedent for democratic leadership. He put America before him as a nation and as a human.
The only bad mark on his legacy is his ownership of enslaved individuals. While he eventually freed his enslaved workers through his will, his reliance on slavery during his life raises difficult questions about his moral decisions. Nonetheless, his role as a Founding Father, military hero, and advocate for unity has left an enduring impact.
Use Cases Of George Washington’s Quotes
Now that you’ve explored some of George Washington’s most memorable quotes, you may wonder how to use them effectively. These quotes are versatile and valuable tools, especially in academic and professional contexts.
For instance, they can enhance essays on topics related to American history, leadership, or political philosophy. Properly cited, they strengthen arguments and provide historical credibility. Washington’s quotes are particularly fitting for discussions about liberty, virtue, duty, government, patriotism, and personal character.
As America’s first president, Washington set numerous precedents for governance, military leadership, and economic policy. His words often reflect the same principles he upheld through action. Whether writing about happiness, conscience, or national values, his quotes can elevate your message while connecting it to timeless wisdom.
In the next section, see how you can use George Washington’s quotes today.
Things to Consider While Using George Washington’s Quotes
Many professions and students can use the above-given Geroge Washington quotes. Educators and historians can also use them to illustrate foundational American values. When using George Washington’s quotes, keep the following points in mind:
- Relevance: Select quotes that align with your topic. For example, Washington’s reflections on personal accountability, such as, “It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one,” can be used to highlight themes of integrity or responsibility. See the quotes above to find Washington’s reflections on topics like truth, liberty, and justice for educational and professional settings.
- Interpretation: Clearly explain the meaning of the quote and its relevance to your argument. For instance, his words, “The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph,” inspire resilience and are perfect for discussions on overcoming challenges. Most of the time, the interpretation of his quotes is about the ideals of democracy, freedom, and civic responsibility. The interpretation is usually taken from patriotic events.
- Citation: Always cite the source of the quote accurately. Whether you’re writing an essay or preparing a speech, proper attribution lends credibility to your work. We found the above quotes from his various interviews, newspapers from his times, the Mount Vernon official site, and speeches.
Final Words
Overall, George Washington's Quotes can help you grow as he is a great standard as a human being and as a leader. Even the way he stepped down from office was classy and iconic. In his address to Congress resigning his commission on December 23, 1783, he said “Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of action.” Even as a leader, he wanted to prevent the presidency from becoming a lifetime role. His character is the reason he is loved even today.
FAQs
1. What is Washington's slogan?
The unofficial motto of Washington is “Al-ki” or “Alki,” a Chinook word meaning “by and by.” But it was never officially adopted by the state legislature.
2. What is George Washington's nickname?
George Washington is often called the “Father of His Country.” Other nicknames include the “American Cincinnatus,” the “Town Destroyer,” and the “American Fabius.”
3. Why was George Washington so popular?
He is popular as a leader who valued freedom over power, standing in contrast to the monarchy. This view of him as virtuous and selfless contributed to his popularity.
