30 Most Famous George Washington Quotes
The one and only first president of the United States.
Famous George Washington quotes aren’t hard to come by, considering his historical life.
Washington was born in 1732 in colonial Virginia to a planter family. He fought in the French and Indian War, then proceeded to lead the colonial forces to victory in the American Revolution, for which he became a national hero.
On April 30, 1789, Washington officially took the oath of office and officially became the first President of the United States. This was two years after he was elected president of the convention that wrote the United States’ Constitution.
Upon becoming president, Washington understood the gravity of his position. He knew that the way he handled his presidency would set a precedent for future presidents.
While sometimes it may seem as though we've strayed from the path as a country, these famous George Washington quotes might help you feel more patriotic.
1. “It is far better to be alone than to be in bad company.” — George Washington
2. “If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” — George Washington
3. “Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light.” — George Washington
4. “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
5. “Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair; the rest is in the hands of God.” — George Washington
6. “It is better to offer no excuses than a bad one.” — George Washington
7. “The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.” — George Washington
8. “Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.” — George Washington
9. “Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble.” — George Washington
10. “We should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly brought experience.” — George Washington
11. “My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the Earth.” — George Washington
12. “When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside Citizen.” — George Washington
13. “Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.” — George Washington
14. “Laws made by common consent must not be trampled by individuals.” — George Washington
15. “Mankind, when left to themselves, are unfit for their own government.” — George Washington
16. “There is nothing which can better deserve your patronage, than the promotion of science and literature. Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness.” — George Washington
17. “Experience teaches us that it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves than it is to dislodge them after they have got possession.” — George Washington
18. “99% of failures come from people who make excuses.” — George Washington
19. “The harder the conflict, the greater triumph.” — George Washington
20. “Paper money has had the effect in your State that it ever will have, to ruin commerce — oppress the honest, and open a door to every species of fraud and injustice.” — George Washington
21. “We must consult our means rather than our wishes.” — George Washington
22. “Be courteous to all, but intimate with few; and let those be well-tried before you give them your confidence.” — George Washington
23. “Real men despise battle, but will never run from it.” — George Washington
24. “Be not glad at the misfortune of another, though he may be your enemy.” — George Washington
25. “Decision making, like coffee, needs a cooling process.” — George Washington
26. “The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their Constitutions of Government.” — George Washington
27. “I’ll die on my feet before I’ll live on my knees.” — George Washington
28. “Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.” — George Washington
29. “A man ought not to value himself of his achievements or rare qualities of wit, much less his riches, virtue or kindred.” — George Washington
30. “I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.” — George Washington
Chinyere (pronounced sha-near-ruh) is a writer who covers entertainment and pop culture news, along with the zodiac signs.