Quote

I do not mean to exclude altogether the idea of patriotism. I know it exists, and I know it has done much in the present contest. But I will venture to assert, that a great and lasting war can never be supported on this principle alone. It must be aided by a prospect of interest, or some reward.

George Washington

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

George Washington
Age: 67 †
Born: 1732
Born: February 22
Died: 1799
Died: December 14
1St U.S. President
Cartographer
Engineer
Farmer
Land Surveyor
Military Officer
Politician
Slaveholder
Statesperson
Westmoreland County
Virginia
Washington
President Washington
G. Washington
Father of the United States
The American Fabius
Mean
Present
Patriotic
Exclude
Great
Alone
Patriotism
Assert
Much
Interest
Reward
Prospect
Never
Idea
Lasting
Contest
War
Rewards
Contests
Ideas
Principle
Altogether
Done
Exists
Supported
Must
Principles
Venture
Aided

More quotes by George Washington

Image
When once the woman has tempted us, and we have tasted the forbidden fruit, there is no such thing as checking our appetites, whatever the consequences may be.
George Washington
Image
War - An act of violence whose object is to constrain the enemy, to accomplish our will.
George Washington
Image
While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.
George Washington
Image
The situation of the general government, if it can be called a government, is shaken to its foundation, and liable to be overturned by every blast.
George Washington
Image
I wish the constitution, which is offered, had been made more perfect but I sincerely believe it is the best that could be obtained at this time. And, as a constitutional door is opened for amendment hereafter, the adoption of it, under the present circumstances of the Union, is in my opinion desirable.
George Washington
Image
Let vice and immorality of every kind be discouraged as much as possible in your brigade and, as a chaplain is allowed to each regiment, see that the men regularly attend during worship. Gaming of every kind is expressly forbidden, as being the foundation of evil, and the cause of many a brave and gallant officer's and soldier's ruin.
George Washington
Image
Let me ... warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party.
George Washington
Image
I shall never ask, never refuse, nor ever resign an office.
George Washington
Image
To err is nature, to rectify error is glory.
George Washington
Image
My own remedy is always to eat, just before I step into bed, a hot roasted onion, if I have a cold.
George Washington
Image
Even respectable characters speak of a monarchical form of government without horror.
George Washington
Image
As the first of every thing, in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent, it is devoutly wished on my part, that these precedents may be fixed on true principles.
George Washington
Image
The consideration that human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected will always continue to prompt me to promote the former by inculcating the practice of the latter.
George Washington
Image
We can not guarantee success, we can strive to deserve it.
George Washington
Image
When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen and we shall most sincerely rejoice with you in the happy hour when the establishment of American Liberty, upon the most firm and solid foundations shall enable us to return to our Private Stations in the bosom of a free, peacefully and happy Country.
George Washington
Image
No pecuniary consideration is more urgent, than the regular redemption and discharge of the public debt: on none can delay be more injurious, or an economy of time more valuable.
George Washington
Image
It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.
George Washington
Image
To cash paid for saddlery, a letter case, maps, glasses, etc etc etc. for the use of my Command: 29 pounds 13 shillings and sixpence... To Mrs Washington's travelling expenses in coming to and returning from my winter quarters, the money to defray that taken from my private purse: 1064 pounds, one shilling.
George Washington
Image
The ways of Providence being inscrutable, and the justice of it not to be scanned by the shallow eye of humanity, nor to be counteracted by the utmost efforts of human power or wisdom, resignation, and as far as the strength of our reason and religion can carry us, a cheerful acquiescence to the Divine Will, is what we are to aim.
George Washington
Image
What a triumph for the advocates of despotism to find that we are incapable of governing ourselves, and that systems founded on the basis of equal liberty are merely ideal and fallacious.
George Washington