George Washington

"The time is near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves."

"In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression I could wish."

"Let the 10 commandments and the beatitudes be your standard of morality."

"There is a rank due to the United States among nations which will be withheld, if not absolutely lost, by the reputation of weakness."

"My policy has been, and will continue to be, while I have the honor to remain in the administration of the government, to be upon friendly terms with, but independent of all the nations of the earth."

"Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains taken to bring it to light."

"Observe good faith and justice toward all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all; religion and morality enjoin this conduct."

"The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty is finally staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people."

"We should not look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors."

"Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all."

"Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth."

"The Constitution requires an oath of the President."

"I have always declared that an honest friendship with all nations is our truest policy."

"It is the duty of all men to endeavor to remove those obstacles which stand between mankind and felicity."

"The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion."

"Few people have the virtue to withstand the highest bidder."

"A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined."

"The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism."

"Real men despise battle, but will never run from it."

"If the freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter."

"There is no dodge. We must shoulder the responsibility."

"All see, and most approve, the gay parterres of France, but few perceive the sad and squalid fate of the peasant."

"I have always been of opinion that the civil service should be reformed by putting the ablest men into the best positions."

"The greatest wealth is a poverty of desires."

"Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble."

"Do not let such a thought cross your mind."

"I rejoice in a belief that intellectual light will spring up in the dark regions of this part of the world."

"The preservation of the Union should be our paramount object."

"In the execution of such a trust I shall endeavor to be guided by the same principle which has invariably guided me in other stations, to the best of my judgment and ability."

"We ought not to look back unless it is to derive useful lessons from past errors, and for the purpose of profiting by dearly bought experience."