George Washington

It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.

The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government.

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.

Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience.

Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company.

To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.

The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism.

The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.

I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent.

If we are to be a really great people, we must strive in good faith to play a great part in the world.

Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.

The best means of preserving the peace is to be prepared for war.

Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.

The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible.

Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.

Promote then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge.

Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.

The time is now near at hand which must probably determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves.

Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.

The establishment of our new Government seemed to be the last great experiment for promoting human happiness.