In his address of 19 September 1796, given as he prepared to leave office, President George Washington spoke about the read more

In his address of 19 September 1796, given as he prepared to leave office, President George Washington spoke about the importance of morality to the country's well-being: Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports.... And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.... Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a Nation with its virtue?

Our country's honor calls upon us for a vigorous and manly exertion; and if we now shamefully fail, we shall read more

Our country's honor calls upon us for a vigorous and manly exertion; and if we now shamefully fail, we shall become infamous to the whole world.

I know [patriotism] exists, and I know it has done much in the present contest. But a great and lasting read more

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.

True friendship is a plant of slow grow, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is read more

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

Over grown military establishments are under any form of government inauspicious to liberty, and are to be regarded as particularly read more

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

When it was reported to General Washington that the army was frequently indulging in swearing, he immediately sent out the read more

When it was reported to General Washington that the army was frequently indulging in swearing, he immediately sent out the following order: The general is sorry to be informed that the foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing — a vice little known heretofore in the American army — is growing into fashion. Let the men and officers reflect 'that we can not hope for the blessing of heaven on our army if we insult it by our impiety and folly.'

We ought to be persuaded that the propitious smiles of heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards read more

We ought to be persuaded that the propitious smiles of heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which heaven itself has ordained.

We ought not to look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose read more

We ought not to look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dear-bought experience.

To err is natural; to rectify error is glory.

To err is natural; to rectify error is glory.