George Washington ( 10 of 65 )
When I contemplate the interposition of Providence, as it was visibly manifested, in guiding us through the Revolution, in preparing read more
When I contemplate the interposition of Providence, as it was visibly manifested, in guiding us through the Revolution, in preparing us for the reception of a general government, and in conciliating the good will of the People of America towards one
Written about Washington after his death by another of the founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson: His mind was great and powerful read more
Written about Washington after his death by another of the founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson: His mind was great and powerful ... as far as he saw, no judgment was ever sounder. It was slow in operation, being little aided by invention or imagination, but sure in conclusion.... Perhaps the strongest feature in his character was prudence, never acting until every circumstance, every consideration, was maturely weighed; refraining if he saw doubt, but, when once decided, going through his purpose, whatever obstacles opposed. His integrity was the most pure, his justice the most inflexible I have ever known.... He was, indeed, in every sense of the words, a wise, a good and a great man ... On the whole, his character was, in its mass, perfect ... it may truly be said, that never did nature and fortune combine more perfectly to make a man great....
A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man that action, not words, are the true criterion of the read more
A slender acquaintance with the world must convince every man that action, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment to friends; and that the most liberal professions of good-will are very far from being the surest marks of it
When will the public cease to insult the teacher's calling with empty flattery? When will men who would never for read more
When will the public cease to insult the teacher's calling with empty flattery? When will men who would never for a moment encourage their own sons to enter the work of the public schools cease to tell us that education is the greatest and noblest of all human callings?
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.
Be courteous to all, but intimate with few; and let those few be well tried before you give them your read more
Be courteous to all, but intimate with few; and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.
In a free and republican government, you cannot restrain the voice of the multitude.
In a free and republican government, you cannot restrain the voice of the multitude.
My temper leads me to peace and harmony with all men; and it is peculiarly my wish to avoid any read more
My temper leads me to peace and harmony with all men; and it is peculiarly my wish to avoid any personal feuds or dissensions with those, who are embarked in the same great national interest with myself, as every difference of this kind in its conseq
Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.
Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.
Avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of read more
Avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burthen whic