George Washington

Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.

I had rather be in my grave than in the most splendid situation, if I could not serve my country with honor.

I can only say that there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do to see a plan adopted for the abolition of slavery.

I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.

Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains taken to bring it to light.

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few.

My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother.

Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble.

The foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing is a vice so mean and low that every person of sense and character detests and despises it.

I can only say, that I am a Citizen of America, and an Officer of the Army: That I am therefore precluded from the enjoyment of that Liberty, which can only be derived from a free Government.

It is to be regretted, that the long experience of the world has not yet been able to extinguish the dangerous flame of party animosities; or to inspire the inhabitants of civilised countries with a more pacific disposition towards each other.

If to please the people, we offer what we ourselves disapprove, how can we afterwards defend our work? Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair; the event is in the hand of God.

Nothing can be more hurtful to the service, than the too frequent changes of officers.

The unfortunate condition of the persons, whose labour in this Country has hitherto been applied to the culture of the earth, and the various branches of Mechanics, can only be ameliorated by a slow, but sure process of time.

I hope, some day, we shall all be slaves to nothing but the laws.

I am sensible that I am not without my faults; but I am conscious of an honest intention.

It is much to be feared that the same motives which have hitherto retarded the abolition of slavery, will continue to operate.

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.

The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism.

I am clearly in sentiment with you, that no man ought to be deprived of the fruits of his labour but by his own consent.