Advantage Quote by George Washington
“There exists in the economy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness; between duty and advantage; between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy, and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity; since we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Farewell Address, 1796
Virtue and happiness are inseparable; moral duty aligns with personal and national benefit, and ignoring natural order leads to loss of divine favor.
In simple terms: Being good brings success and peace.
Key Takeaway
Align actions with moral principles.
Themes
ethics
prosperity
order
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- policy making
- personal conduct
- national governance
Key Concepts
virtue
happiness
duty
public good
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal virtue affect societal wellbeing?
- What consequences arise when duty is ignored?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring ethical foundations can undermine long‑term stability.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
