George Washington on learning from the past

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

George Washington on paper money

We may one day become a great commercial and flourishing nation. But if in the pursuit of the means we should unfortunately stumble again on unfunded paper money or similar species of fraud, we shall assuredly give a fatal stab to our national credit in its infancy.

~ George Washington

(Quoted by G. Edward Griffen, The Creature from Jekyll Island, page 323.)

George Washington on foreign policy

Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor, or caprice?

~ George Washington, Farewell Address, September 17, 1796

Washington on despotism

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 the love of power, and proneness to abuse it, which predominates in the human heart is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this proposition.

~ George Washington, Farewell Address (1796)

George Washington on arbitary power

Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.

~ George Washington

Washington on freedom

The thing that sets the American Christian apart from all other people in the world is he will die on his feet, before he'll live on his knees.

~ George Washington

Washington on foreign policy

Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.

~ George Washington

Washington on government

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

~ George Washington

George Washington (1789-1797)
1938