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
The foundations of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the preeminence of free government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its citizens, and command the respect of the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
National policy should reflect strong moral principles and promote free government that earns citizens' affection and global respect.
George Washington emphasizes that the core of national policy must be grounded in unwavering moral principles. He believes that a government that prioritizes the well-being and affection of its citizens, while commanding respect on the international stage, will exemplify the essence of a free society, intertwining morality with political governance.
Themes
MoralityGovernmentFreedomRespectCitizens
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of ethics in politics.
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
Similar quotes
If the Tenth Amendment were still taken seriously, most of the federal government's present activities would not exist. That's why no one in Washington ever mentions it.
Thomas WoodsRead
Whenever you put a man on the Supreme Court he ceases to be your friend.
Harry S. TrumanRead
And I'm not apolitical - I'm very specific in my politics. But a lot of the time it's nobody's business unless you're over at my house having dinner.
Tom HanksRead
Aristocrats fear the people, and wish to transfer all power to the higher classes of society.
Thomas JeffersonRead
Look, I get it. Whether it's school, work, family, we've all got a lot on our minds. People say to me, "I'm just too busy to think about politics." But here's the thing: You may not be thinking about politics, but politics is thinking about you.
Kerry WashingtonRead
We see more and more of our Presidents and know less and less about what they do.
Bill MoyersRead