George Washington Quotes and SayingsGeorge Washington letter to his niece Harriet Washington, October 30, 1791 |
| Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. True friendship is a plant of slow grow, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation. ~George Washington Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder. ~George Washington Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience. ~George Washington Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action. ~George Washington Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence. 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 The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered... deeply, ...finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people. ~George Washington It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one. ~George Washington Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience. ~George Washington I know [patriotism] exists, and I know it has done much in the present contest. But 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 |