Almighty and eternal Lord God, the great Creator of heaven and earth, and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; look down from heaven in pity and compassion upon me thy servant, who humbly prostrate myself before thee.
George WashingtonRead
I go to the chair of government with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses the burden and responsibility that comes with leadership.
George Washington likens his feelings about assuming leadership in government to that of a condemned person facing execution, highlighting the heavy weight of responsibility and the sacrifices inherent in leadership roles. It reflects his awareness of the scrutiny, criticism, and potential consequences that come with making decisions that affect the lives of many.
Themes
LeadershipResponsibilityGovernmentSacrificeBurden
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech discussing the challenges of public service, one might quote Washington to emphasize the gravity of the duty.
More from George Washington
All quotes →If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed.
George WashingtonRead
The duty of holding a Neutral conduct may be inferred, without any thing more, from the obligation which justice and humanity impose on every nation, in cases in which it is free to act, to maintain inviolate the relations of Peace and amity toward other Nations.
George WashingtonRead
We began a contest for liberty ill provided with the means for the war, relying on our patriotism to supply the deficiency. We expected to encounter many wants and distressed we must bear the present evils and fortitude
George WashingtonRead
What is most important of this grand experiment, the United States? Not the election of the first president but the election of its second president. The peaceful transition of power is what will separate this country from every other country in the world.
George WashingtonRead
Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.
George WashingtonRead
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