Character Quotes by George Washington

Let us with Caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.

— George Washington

Patience is a noble virtue, and, when rightly exercised, does not fail of its reward.

— George Washington

Even respectable characters speak of a monarchical form of government without horror.

— George Washington

It is to be lamented that great characters are seldom without a blot.

— George Washington

Purity of morals [is] the only sure foundation of public happiness in any country.

— George Washington

Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.

— George Washington

“Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.”

— George Washington

An ambassador has no need of spies; his character is always sacred.

— George Washington

While I reiterate the professions of my dependence upon Heaven... I will observe that... no man who is profligate in his morals...…

— George Washington

“A man ought not to value himself of his achievements or rare qualities of wit, much less of his riches, virtue or…

— George Washington

It gives me real concern to observe ... that you should think it necessary to distinguish between my personal and public character,…

— George Washington

I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character…

— George Washington

Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle

— George Washington

The value of liberty was thus enhanced in our estimation by the difficulty of its attainment, and the worth of characters appreciated…

— George Washington

The foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing...is a vice so mean and low, without any temptation, that every man…

— George Washington

I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider to be the most enviable of all…

— George Washington

Do not conceive that fine Clothes make fine Men, any more than fine feathers make fine Birds. A plain genteel dress is…

— George Washington

While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher…

— George Washington

We are either a United people, or we are not. If the former, let us, in all maters of general concern act…

— George Washington

To point out the importance of circumspection in your conduct, it may be proper to observe that a good moral character is…

— George Washington

If there was the same propensity in mankind for investigating the motives, as there is for censuring the conduct, of public characters,…

— George Washington

No people can be bound to acknowledge the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the…

— George Washington

Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect…

— George Washington

The foundations of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the preeminence of…

— George Washington

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man…

— George Washington

What astonishing changes a few years are capable of producing! I am told that even respectable characters speak of a monarchical form…

— George Washington

The tribute that is due to the talents, the rectitude, and the patriotism which adorn the characters selected to devise and adopt…

— George Washington

Let it simply be asked where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation deserts…

— George Washington

There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government, and serve to keep…

— George Washington

A tribute . . . is due to the talents, the rectitude, and the patriotism, which adorn the characters selected to devise…

— George Washington

My ardent desire is, and my aim has been . . . to comply strictly with all our engagements foreign and domestic;…

— George Washington

There exists in the economy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness; between duty and advantage; between the…

— George Washington

Religion and morality are the essential pillars of civil society.

— George Washington

Good moral character is the first essential in a man.

— George Washington

[V]irtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government.

— George Washington

A good moral character is the first essential. It is highly important not only to be learned but to be virtuous.

— George Washington

The foundation of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principle of private morality.

— George Washington

Without virtue, and without integrity, the finest talents and the most brilliant accomplishments can never gain the respect, and conciliate the esteem,…

— George Washington

The consideration that human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected will always continue to prompt me to promote the former by…

— George Washington

Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can exist apart from religious principle.

— George Washington