Defense Quote by George Washington
“It may be laid down as a primary position, and the basis of our system, that every Citizen who enjoys the protection of a Free Government, owes not only a proportion of his property, but even of his personal services to the defense of it.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: To the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1788
Citizens must contribute both property and personal service to defend a free government.
In simple terms: Citizens owe service and resources to protect liberty.
Key Takeaway
Engage actively in civic duties.
Themes
civic duty
taxation
defense
Mood
serious
patriotic
Type
political
educational
When to use this quote
- voting
- military service
- tax contributions
- community volunteering
Key Concepts
political theory
social contract
citizenship
Questions to Reflect On
- How much should individuals sacrifice for freedom?
- What forms of service are most effective?
A Different Perspective
Balancing personal burden with collective benefit is complex.
![“Their [the U.S.’s] defense budget in absolute figures is almost 25 times bigger than Russia’s. This is what in defense is referred to as ‘their home — their fortress.’ And good for them, I say. Well done!” quote by Vladimir Putin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ec3/vladimir-putin-261_absolutes_their-the-u-s-s-defense-budget-in-absolu_10791.jpg)
