GEORGE WASHINGTON

"The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph."

"I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world."

"Be not glad at the misfortune of another, though he may be your enemy."

"Few men are capable of making a continual sacrifice of all views of private interest, or advantage, to the common good."

"Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble."

"The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible."

"It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people."

"Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principles."

"The experience of every age and nation has proved it and we must in a great measure."

"Heard the bullets whistle, and, believe me, there is something charming in the sound."

"Speak not injurious words neither in jest nor earnest; scoff at none although they give occasion"

"No punishment, in my opinion, is to great, for the man who can build his greatness upon his country's ruin."

"A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man that actions, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of friends."

"Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected."

"I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality."

"Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge."

"There is nothing which can better deserve our patronage than the promotion of science and literature. Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of public happiness."

"To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes to his country."

"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence."

"Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience."

"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."

"The great mass of our Citizens require only to understand matters rightly, to form right decisions."

"Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone."

"Of all the animosities which have existed among mankind, those which are caused by a difference of sentiments in religion appear to be the most inveterate and distressing, and ought most to be deprecated."

"Those who have committed no faults want no pardon. We are only defending what we deem our indisputable rights."

"The hour is fast approaching, on which the Honor and Success of this army, and the safety of our bleeding Country depend."

"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."

"I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man."

"I rejoice in a belief that intellectual light will spring up in the dark corners of the earth."

"A bad war is fought with a good mind."

"The nation which indulges toward another a habitual hatred or a habitual fondness is in some degree a slave."

"There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the enemy."

"One of the expedients of party to acquire influence, within particular districts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts."

"Every day the increasing weight of years admonishes me more and more, that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome."

"I had hoped that liberal and enlightened thought would have reconciled the Christians so that their religious fights would not endanger the peace of Society."

"A sensible woman can never be happy with a fool."

"Happiness depends more upon the internal frame of a person’s own mind, than on the externals in the world."

"I conceive a knowledge of books is the basis upon which other knowledge is to be built."

"Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for, I have grown not only gray, but almost blind in the service of my country."

"To the distinguished character of patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian."

"Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth."

"To persevere in one's duty, and be silent is the best answer to calumny."

"Religion is a byproduct of fear."

"My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother."

"We have probably had too good an opinion of human nature in forming our confederation."

"System to all things is the soul of business. To execute properly and act maturely is the way to conduct it to your advantage."