The United States of America proclaimed its independence from the English in 1776. One of the main figures who brought about this independence was George Washington .

Washington is among the so-called founding fathers and commander-in-chief of the revolutionary army during the War of Independence, he would become the first president of the United States. Throughout his life and mandate he made interesting reflections on many issues such as freedom and politics.

In this article we will see some of George Washington’s best phrases that reflect these reflections.

A selection of quotes from George Washington

Below you can find a series of phrases by George Washington on various topics.

Work to keep alive in your chest that little spark of celestial fire, consciousness

This phrase expresses the need to act on our conscience.

2. Persevering in the performance of duty and keeping silent is the best response to slander

Answering the protests of others gets us nowhere, and whoever is attacking is often exposed in the same process.

3. Being prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace

Being cautious and preparing for the worst possible scenarios can help us avoid them.

4. I hope to always have enough firmness and virtue to retain what I consider to be the most enviable of all titles: the character of an honest man

It is said that power can corrupt people , and honesty is one of the virtues that allows one to be coherent with oneself and with the world.

5. Religion and morality are essential pillars of civil society

Beliefs and values are a very important part of our being and are part of the organization of society.

6. Government is not a reason, nor is it eloquence, it is strength. It operates like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearsome master; at no time should irresponsible hands be allowed to control it

Who has the power and how they use it can have different effects on each of our lives. It is necessary that whoever holds it is someone capable and responsible.

7. Freedom, when it begins to take root, is a fast growing plant

Sometimes it is difficult for us to overcome our own and others’ impositions and act freely, but when the idea of doing so begins to be raised it expands rapidly and tends to generate an increasingly marked performance to achieve it.

8. No distance can keep lovers apart for long

When we love someone, we are able to overcome distance and possible obstacles in order to be with that person.

9. Discipline is the soul of the army. It makes a small group formidable, gives strength to the weak, and raises everyone’s self-esteem

Being able to maintain discipline allows us to successfully manage ourselves, learn to obey orders, recognize our potential and overcome our supposed limits.

10. Be polite to everyone, but to a few, and be careful who you give your trust to

While we must accept and be kind to our fellow citizens, this phrase indicates that trust is something that must be earned and deserved.

11. If this nation expects to be ignorant and free, it will never be

Freedom comes from the hand of knowledge, which makes us able to go beyond what already exists and adapt different visions of reality.

  • You may be interested in: “The 10 kinds of values: principles that govern our lives”

12. Example, whether good or bad, has a powerful influence

For better or worse, the actions they take and their consequences influence us, learning a way to act and allowing us to replicate or avoid it.

13. To err is natural, but to rectify error is glory

Error is not something that can be criminalized but something positive that allows us to learn. After observing it, we are able to repair the error by rectifying it, or avoid making it again in the future.

14. When we assume to be soldiers, we don’t stop being citizens

All people who are part of a society do not leave only a part of it regardless of their role.

15. Anything will give up its secrets if we love it enough

The love for something or someone allows us to observe its qualities and secrets , allowing in many cases the loved one to obtain information from it or providing it directly.

16. True friendship is a slow-developing plant and must experience and resist the onslaughts of adversity before it is entitled to that name

True friendship involves loyalty and standing by that person for better or worse.

17. It is infinitely better to have a few good men than many indifferent ones

In most things it is preferable to have quality rather than quantity, including in this case the company of other people or their degree of ability for a certain function.

18. When a people has become incapable of governing itself and is in a position to submit to a master, it matters little where the master comes from

This phrase speaks to us of conformism and the ability to let oneself be dominated.

19. I hate nothing more than ingratitude

When someone does something for us, we should at least be able to recognize and appreciate that something and not be ungrateful.

20. My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever knew. Everything I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in this life to the moral, intellectual and physical formation I received from her

We must not forget our roots or those who have raised us and helped develop us, for it is largely thanks to them that we are where we are.

21. Partner with quality men if you value your own reputation, for it is better to be alone than in bad company

This phrase encourages us to link ourselves to those people who show us their esteem and worth , avoiding those who do not like us.

22. In England, freedom is seen as a kind of idol. People are taught to love it and believe in it, but they see very little of its results. People can move freely, but within high walls

Sometimes we think we are free when in fact we are only allowed to act within certain limits, despite the fact that the opposite is advocated.

23. The basis of our political system is the right of the people to make and modify their constitutions of government

Power is in the hands of the people, who confer power on the government and the bodies that run it, as well as the creation and application of laws.

24. Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected

Both concepts are linked, since doing what we believe to be right induces feelings of pride and happiness.

25. Don’t look back unless you want to learn from past mistakes and take advantage of expensive experience

We must continue to make progress without stopping. The past is useful in order to avoid repeating mistakes and to learn from it, but it shouldn’t stop us from moving forward.

26. If they take away our freedom of speech then, silly and silent, they can lead us like sheep to the slaughter.

To be able to express oneself is something necessary, otherwise we will be subjected to the actions of those who prevent it.

27. Few men have virtue to resist the highest bidder

It’s easy to think you’re virtuous, but when it comes down to it, it can be hard to be virtuous.

28. Knowing something of human nature will convince us that for the vast majority of mankind personal interest is the dominant principle, and that almost every man is more or less under its influence. Few men are willing to sacrifice their personal conveniences or advantages continually for the benefit of all. It is useless to cry out against the depravity of human nature because of this; it is a fact, the experience of every age and nation has proved it, and we have to change man’s constitution to a great extent before we can change such a situation

A large number of people are governed by their own interests, ignoring the needs of others if this is a nuisance or detriment to them. Washington proposes the need to change ourselves in order to be able to seek the common good .

29. When you speak of God or his attributes, do so with all seriousness and reverence

George Washington was deeply religious, but even if he was not, it is necessary to respect the beliefs of others whether they are shared or not.

30. Dying is hard, but I’m not afraid to leave. Okay

According to his secretary, who was assisting him in his final moments along with other friends, these were Washington’s last words.

31. Encouraging literature and the arts is a duty that every good citizen owes to his or her country

Art is an indispensable part of the culture of a society, its promotion being something desirable and of great importance.

32. True men despise battle, but never run from it

We must be able to fight for what we want, even though fighting for it may not please us. In this case it refers to the war.

33. The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph

The things that are hardest for us to achieve give us a sense of triumph once they are achieved.

34. Let your heart feel for the afflictions and anguish of all

We must be able to empathize and put ourselves in the shoes of others. Feeling is not a weakness but a strength.

35. Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all times

Great achievements have always been achieved through effort and the courage to fight and persist.

36. The experience I have gained does not reduce the reasons I have for distrusting myself, and the weight of my years is growing more and more. These years warn me incessantly that the shadow of retirement must be as necessary as it is pleasant for me

Having experience does not imply being absolutely right or not doubting one’s own ability.

37. Do not be happy in the misfortune of another, even though he may be your enemy

Congratulating oneself with the suffering of others, no matter how much they are enemies, is an act of selfishness and cruelty.

38. In the end truth will prevail where there is pain in bringing it out

For the truth to prevail, there must be an effort to make it visible.

39. Precedents are dangerous things: they let the reins of government be supported and held with a firm hand.

Relying only on precedent makes us repeat the mistakes of the past and cannot learn from it to improve.

40. My first wish is to see this plague of humanity, war, banished from the earth

Although conflict may sometimes exist, we must only wish to be able to improve the world and end hatred and war.