Care Quote by George Washington
“We must take care always to keep ourselves, by suitable establishments, in a respectable defensive posture.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: to James Madison, 1795
We must maintain a respectable defensive stance through proper institutions to protect liberty.
In simple terms: Maintain defense via strong institutions.
Key Takeaway
Support strong institutions.
Themes
politics
defense
governance
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
prescriptive
historical
When to use this quote
- government formation
- national security
- public policy
Key Concepts
institutional design
civil liberties
Questions to Reflect On
- What institutions best safeguard liberty?
- How can we balance defense with openness?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on defense can stifle freedom.
