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
Jealousy, and local policy mix too much in all our public councils for the good government of the Union. In a words, the confederation appears to me to be little more than a shadow without the substance . . . .
Interpretation
What this quote means
Jealousy and local interests hinder effective governance and unity.
George Washington's quote highlights the detrimental effects of jealousy and local political interests on the functioning of public governance. He implies that these negative influences can undermine the strength and integrity of a unified confederation, reducing it to a mere illusion of unity rather than a solid, effective governing body.
Themes
JealousyGovernanceUnityPoliticsConfederation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the importance of prioritizing collective goals over local interests in government.
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.
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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
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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.
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Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.
George WashingtonRead
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