40 phrases of George Washington to know his life and legacy

The United States of America proclaimed its independence from the English in 1776. One of the main figures that led to this independence was George Washington.

Washington is among the so-called Founding Fathers and Commander-in-Chief of the Army revolutionary during the War of Independence, he would become the first president of the United United. Throughout his life and his tenure, he made interesting reflections on numerous topics such as freedom and politics.

In this article we will see some of George Washington's best quotes that reflect these reflections.

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A selection of phrases by George Washington

Below you can find a series of phrases by George Washington referring to various topics.

1. Work to keep alive in your chest that little spark of celestial fire, the conscience

Through this phrase the need to act based on our conscience is expressed.

2. Persevering in the line of duty and keeping silent is the best response to slander.

Answering the probations of others does not take us anywhere, in addition to the fact that whoever attacks is usually exposed in the same process.

3. Being prepared for war is one of the most effective means of keeping the peace

Being cautious and preparing for the worst possible scenarios can help us avoid them.

4. I hope that I will always have sufficient strength and virtue to preserve what I consider to be the most enviable of all titles: the character of an honest man.

People say that power can corrupt people, being honesty one of the virtues that allow being consistent with oneself and with the world.

5. Religion and morality are essential pillars of civil society

Beliefs and values ​​are a very important part of our being and are part of the organization of society.

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6. The government is not a reason, nor is it eloquence, it is force. He operates like fire, he is a dangerous servant and a fearsome master; at no time should irresponsible hands be allowed to control it

Who has the power and how they use it can have different effects in the lives of each one of us. It is necessary that whoever holds it is someone capable and responsible.

7. Freedom, when it begins to take root, is a fast growing plant

Sometimes it is difficult for us to overcome our own and others' impositions and act freely, but when it begins to pose the idea of ​​doing so is expanding rapidly and tends to generate an increasingly marked performance for to get it.

8. No distance can keep lovers apart for long

When we love someone, we are able to overcome distance and possible obstacles in order to be with that person.

9. Discipline is the lifeblood of the army. Makes a small group formidable, gives strength to the weak, and raises everyone's self-esteem

Be able to maintain discipline It enables us to successfully direct ourselves, learn to obey orders, recognize our potential and overcome our supposed limits.

10. Be courteous to everyone, but few intimate and take care who you trust

While we must accept and be kind to our fellow citizens, this phrase tells us that trust is something that must be earned and deserved.

11. If this nation hopes to be ignorant and free, it never will be

Freedom comes from the hand of knowledge, which makes us able to go beyond what already exists and adapt different visions of reality.

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12. Example, good or bad, has a powerful influence

In both the good and the bad, the actions they carry out and their consequences influence us, learning a way of acting and allowing us to replicate or avoid it.

13. To err is natural, but to rectify the error is the glory

The error is not something criminalizable but something positive that allows us to learn. After observing it, we are able to repair said error by rectifying it, or avoid re-producing it in the future.

14. When we assume to be soldiers, we do not stop being citizens

All people who are part of a society do not leave only a part of it regardless of their role.

15. Anything will give us its secrets if we love it enough

Love towards something or towards someone allows us to observe their qualities and secrets, in many cases allowing the loved one to obtain information from it or by providing it directly.

16. True friendship is a slow-growing plant and must experience and withstand the onslaught of adversity before it is entitled to such a name.

True friendship involves loyalty and being by that person's side for both good and bad.

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17. It is infinitely better to have a few good men than many indifferent ones.

In most things it is preferable to have quality over quantity, including in this case the company of other people or their degree of capacity for a certain function.

18. When a people has become incapable of governing itself and is in a position to submit to a master, it matters little where it comes from.

This phrase tells us about conformity and the ability to be dominated.

19. I hate nothing more than ingratitude

When someone does something for us, at the very least we should be able to acknowledge and appreciate that something and not be ungrateful.

20. My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever knew. Everything I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all the successes in this life to the moral, intellectual and physical formation that I received from it.

We must not forget our roots or those who have raised us and helped us develop, because largely thanks to them we are where we are.

21. Partner with quality men if you estimate your own reputation, as it is better to be alone than in bad company

This phrase pushes us to bond with those people who show us their esteem and worth, avoiding those who do not like us well.

22. In England, freedom is seen as a kind of idol. The people are taught to love and believe in it, but see very little of its results. The town can move freely, but within high walls

Sometimes we believe we are free when in reality we are only allowed to act within certain limits, despite the contrary being advocated.

23. The basis of our political system is the right of the people to make and modify their constitutions of Government

Power is in the hands of the people, which confers power on the government and the estates that direct it, as well as the creation and application of laws.

24. Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected

Both concepts are linked, since complying with what we believe is correct induces feelings of pride and happiness.

25. Do not look back unless it is to learn useful lessons from past mistakes and to take advantage of the costly experience.

We must continue to progress without stopping. The past is useful in order to avoid repeating mistakes and learn from it, but it shouldn't stop us from moving forward.

26. If they take away our freedom of expression then, stupid and silenced, they can lead us like sheep to the slaughterhouse.

Being able to express yourself is necessary, otherwise we will be subjected to the actions of those who prevent it.

27. Few men have virtue to resist the highest bidder

It is easy to believe yourself virtuous, but when it comes down to it it can be difficult to be.

28. Knowing something about human nature will convince us that for the vast majority of humanity the self-interest is the overriding principle, and that almost every man is more or less under its control. influence. Few men are willing to continually sacrifice, for the benefit of all, their personal convenience or advantage. It is useless to cry out against the depravity of human nature because of this; It is a fact, the experience of every age and nation has proven it, and we have to change the constitution of man to a great extent before we can change such a situation.

A large part of the people is governed by their own interest, ignoring the needs of others if it causes them a nuisance or damage. Washington proposes the need to change ourselves in the face of be able to seek the common good.

29. When you speak of God or his attributes, do so with all seriousness and reverence.

George Washington was deeply religious, but even when he was not, it is necessary to respect the beliefs of others, whether they are shared or not.

30. Dying is hard, but I'm not afraid to leave. It's okay

According to his secretary, who was assisting him in his last moments along with other friends, these were Washington's last words.

31. Promoting literature and the arts is a duty that every good citizen owes to his country

Art is an indispensable part of culture of a society, its promotion being something desirable and of great importance.

32. True men despise battle, but never flee from it

We must be able to fight for what we want even though fighting for it may not please us. In this case it refers to the war conflict.

33. The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph

The things that are most difficult for us to achieve suppose a feeling of triumph once they are achieved.

34. Let your heart feel for the afflictions and heartaches of all

We must be able to empathize and put ourselves in the shoes of others. Feeling is not a weakness but a strength.

35. Perseverance and spirit have done wonders for all time

Great achievements have always been achieved through effort and the courage to fight and persist.

36. The experience achieved does not reduce the reasons I have to mistrust myself, and growing more and more the weight of my years these same warn me incessantly that the shadow of retirement must be as necessary as pleasant

Having experience does not imply being absolutely right or not doubting your own ability.

37. Do not be happy in the misfortune of another, even though he may be your enemy

Congratulating yourself with the suffering of others, even if they are enemies, is an act of selfishness and cruelty.

38. In the end the truth will prevail where there is pain to bring it to light

For the truth to prevail, there must be an effort to make it visible.

39. The precedents are dangerous things: they let the reins of government rest and hold with a firm hand.

Relying only on the precedents makes us repeat the mistakes of the past and we cannot learn from it to improve.

40. My first wish is to see this plague of humanity, war, banished from the earth

Even if there is conflict at times, we must only wish to be able to improve the world and end hatred and war.