George Washington

The motives which predominate most human affairs... are self-love and self-interest.

To contract new debts is not the way to pay old ones.

It is much to be wished that slavery may be abolished. The honour of the States, as well as justice and humanity, in my opinion, loudly call for it.

I have always been a friend to temperance and sobriety, and was, when a soldier, as much so as any man.

The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.

Experience teaches us that it is much easier to prevent an evil than to remedy it.

All combinations and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real view to control the government, are of a treasonable tendency.

In politics as in philosophy, my tenets are few and simple.

I can only say that there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do to see a plan adopted for the abolition of slavery.

Tis our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliance with any portion of the foreign world.

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.

Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence... the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake.

I was summoned by my country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love.