George Washington, the first President of the United States, remains a figure of immense importance and influence in American history and beyond. Born on February 22, 1732, and passing away on December 14, 1799, Washington’s contributions span military leadership during the American Revolution, statesmanship, and foundational roles in the early governance of the United States. Among his enduring legacies is a wealth of quotes that reflect not only his personal virtue and wisdom but also his insights into governance, societal values, and interpersonal relations. This collection aims to present the 100 best quotes of George Washington, categorized into sections that mirror aspects of his life, contributions to society, and the timeless relevance of his words.
George Washington Quotes on Personal Virtues and Growth
George Washington’s legacy is not only built on his achievements as a leader but also on the personal virtues and principles he lived by. His quotes on personal growth, character, and ethics continue to inspire and guide individuals towards self-improvement and a deeper understanding of their role in society. These sections delve into best George Washington quotes thoughts on personal virtues and growth, highlighting the importance of education, knowledge, intelligence, wisdom, and the pursuit of excellence.
5 Best George Washington quotes on Character
“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.”
“It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.”
. “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.”
“Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.”
5 Best George Washington quotes on Education
“Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness.”
. “The best means of forming a manly, virtuous, and happy people will be found in the right education of youth.”
. “Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.”
“Educate and inform the whole mass of the people… They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.”
“Without education, we are in a horrible and deadly danger of taking educated people seriously.”
5 Best George Washington quotes on Knowledge
“To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes to his country.”
“Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.”
“Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.”
“The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them.”
“A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government.”
5 Best George Washington quotes on Intelligence
“The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax.”
“To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.”
“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.”
“Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all.”
“The nation which indulges towards another a habitual hatred or a habitual fondness is in some degree a slave.”
5 Best George Washington quotes on Wisdom
“It is far better to be alone, than to be in bad company.”
“If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”
“Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.”
“Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.”
“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.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Virtue
“Virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government.”
“I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy.”
“Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.”
“The virtues of men are of more consequence to society than their abilities.”
“Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Ethics
“I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.”
“Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all.”
“Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone, and let your hand give in proportion to your purse.”
- “It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government.”
“Do not let anyone claim to be a true American if they ever attempt to remove religion from politics.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Morality
“Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.”
“The foundation of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality.”
“I can never believe that Providence has sent a few men into the world, ready booted and spurred to ride, and millions ready saddled and bridled to be ridden.”
“It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.”
“Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Courage
“Bravery is to stand firm in the face of fear.”
“We should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors.”
“Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.”
“The American spirit ought to be mixed with American valor.”
“It is better to be alone than in bad company.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Hard Work
“Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.”
“Industry and perseverance are the sure roads to success.”
“Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair; the event is in the hand of God.”
“The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph.”
“Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Excellence
“Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for ’tis better to be alone than in bad company.”
“My observation is that whenever one person is found adequate to the discharge of a duty…it is worse executed by two persons, and scarcely done at all if three or more are employed therein.”
“Do not let anyone claim tribute of American patriotism if they even attempt to remove religion from politics.”
“I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent.”
“Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgment to others with modesty.”
George Washington Quotes on Interpersonal Relations and Inner Life
George Washington’s reflections on interpersonal relations and the inner life highlight the importance of love, happiness, trust, and friendship in building a harmonious society. His words encourage empathy, understanding, and the cultivation of deep, meaningful connections with others, demonstrating his belief in the value of personal integrity and the strength of collective unity.
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Love
“My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother.”
“True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.”
“I have always considered marriage as the most interesting event of one’s life, the foundation of happiness or misery.”
“Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone.”
“Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Happiness
“The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered… deeply,… finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.”
“Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.”
“It is impossible to govern rightly without God and the Bible.”
“A good moral character is the first essential in a man.”
“I anticipate with pleasing expectations that retreat in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Soul
“Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.”
“The consideration that human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected will always give you a satisfaction that no other ties can.”
“The value of liberty was thus enhanced in our estimation by the difficulty of its attainment.”
“The bosom of America is open to receive not only the Opulent and respectable Stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all Nations and Religions; whom we shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges, if by decency and propriety of conduct they appear to merit the enjoyment.”
“Let us unite, therefore, in imploring the Supreme Ruler of nations to spread his holy protection over these United States; to turn the machinations of the wicked to the confirming of our constitution; to enable us at all times to stop with temperance and firmness the invasion of our liberties by foreign influence or domestic intrigue.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Empathy
“I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations in examples of justice and liberality.”
“Mankind, when left to themselves, are unfit for their own government.”
“Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country.”
“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.”
“The hand of providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Trust
“Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.”
“To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.”
“I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is the best policy.”
“When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen.”
“Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Friendship
“True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.”
“Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.”
“Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest.”
“Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone, and let your hand give in proportion to your purse.”
“The administration of justice is the firmest pillar of government.”
George Washington Quotes on Societal Values and Governance
George Washington’s leadership was not only transformative for the United States but also set a global benchmark for governance, societal values, and the role of leadership in shaping a just and equitable society. His quotes on these subjects reflect a deep understanding of the complexities of governance and the importance of justice, democracy, and community in sustaining a nation.
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Society
“The basis of our political system is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government.”
“It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor.”
“The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.”
“Interwoven is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts.”
“The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered, perhaps, as deeply, as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Justice
“The administration of justice is the firmest pillar of government.”
“I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.”
“Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all.”
“An unjust peace is better than a just war.”
“It is of infinite moment, that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national Union to your collective and individual happiness.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Democracy
“The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism.”
“A just estimate of that love of power, and proneness to abuse it, which predominates in the human heart, is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position.”
“The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered… deeply, …finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.”
“As the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.”
“Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Constitution
“The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.”
“It is obviously impractical in the federal government of these states to secure all rights of independent sovereignty to each, and yet provide for the interest and safety of all.”
“Let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed.”
“We the People are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.”
“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?”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Leadership
“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.”
“If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”
“Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.”
“It is better to be alone than in bad company.”
“Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone, and let your hand give in proportion to your purse.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Politics
“The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered…deeply,…finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.”
“Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone, and let your hand give in proportion to your purse.”
“Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest.”
“It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government.”
“To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Government
“Government is not reason, it is not eloquence—it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.”
“The execution of the laws is more important than the making of them.”
“Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.”
“I have no other view than to promote the public good, and am unambitious of honors not founded in the approval of my Country.”
“The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Law
“The due administration of justice is the firmest pillar of good government.”
“I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life by commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the superintendence of them to his holy keeping.”
“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?'”
“An army without discipline is but a mob in uniform, and equally subject to the disorders of a mob.”
“Laws made by common consent must not be trampled on by individuals.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Power
“The nation which indulges towards another a habitual hatred or a habitual fondness is in some degree a slave.”
“It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration, to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another.”
“The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their Constitutions of Government.”
“A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to which end a uniform and well-digested plan is requisite.”
“Overgrown military establishments are under any form of government inauspicious to liberty, and are to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Community
“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.”
- “The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize.”
“Associating with persons of good quality, for ’tis better to be alone than in bad company, ensures a harmonious community.”
“Mankind, when left to themselves, are unfit for their own government; hence, the need for a structured community governance to ensure order and prosperity.”
“Let us have a government by which our lives, liberties, and properties will be secured, or let us know the worst at once.”
Best 5 George Washington quotes on Cultural Awareness
“To bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.”
“In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.”
“It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”
“The improvement of our country in arts, which extend the wants and conveniences of life, is deserving of the highest encouragement.”
“Knowledge is, in every country, the surest basis of public happiness.”
Final Words on George Washington Quotes
In exploring the 100 best quotes of George Washington, we journey through the thoughts and philosophies of a man whose wisdom transcended his time and laid the foundation for a nation built on principles of freedom, justice, and unity. From personal virtues to societal values, Washington’s words offer timeless insights into the character of leadership, the importance of education and ethics, and the value of cultivating deep, meaningful relationships.
Washington’s legacy, as reflected in these quotes, is not just a historical relic but a living guide that continues to inspire leaders, educators, thinkers, and individuals around the world. His belief in the power of knowledge, the importance of a virtuous character, and the enduring strength of a united community serve as reminders of the responsibilities we bear towards ourselves, each other, and our society.
As we reflect on these quotes, let us carry forward the spirit of George Washington — a spirit of integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good. In doing so, we honor not only his memory but also the ideals that continue to shape the vision of a just and prosperous society for all.
