When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen.
George Washington

War - An act of violence whose object is to constrain the enemy, to accomplish our will.
George Washington

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

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

True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity, before it is entitled to the appellation.
George Washington

To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.
George Washington

There can be no greater error than to expect, or calculate, upon real favors from nation to nation. It is an illusion which experience must cure, which a just pride ought to discard.
George Washington

The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good.
George Washington

The time is near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves.
George Washington

The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments.
George Washington

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.
George Washington

The constitution vests the power of declaring war in Congress; therefore no offensive expedition of importance can be undertaken until after they shall have deliberated upon the subject and authorized such a measure.
George Washington

The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.
George Washington

The basis of our political system is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government.
George Washington

The administration of justice is the firmest pillar of government.
George Washington

Some day, following the example of the United States of America, there will be a United States of Europe.
George Washington

Over grown military establishments are under any form of government inauspicious to liberty, and are to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty.
George Washington

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

Nothing can be more hurtful to the service, than the neglect of discipline; for that discipline, more than numbers, gives one army the superiority over another.
George Washington

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.
George Washington