| Music: Peace Falling Like Autumn Leaves Whispers - Home Old New Orleans Nancy's Journal |
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| The First Essential |
| Most of the quotes on this page are from George Washington, but a few are from a book he once copied out by hand, "110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior." |
| Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your reputation. |
| There is nothing which can better deserve your patronage, than the promotion of science and literature. Knowledge is the surest basis of public happiness. |
| Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages. |
| I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world. |
| Speak not injurious words, neither in jest, nor earnest; scoff at no one. Let your conversation be without malice. |
| Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism. |
| We must never despair; our situation has been compromising before, and it has changed for the better; so I trust it will again. If difficulties arise, we must put forth new exertion and proportion our efforts to the exigencies of the times. |
| Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. |
| I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man. |
| Be not apt to relate news if you know not the truth thereof. Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any. |
| I always hoped that this land might become a safe and agreeable asylum to the virtuous and persecuted part of mankind, to whatever nation they might belong. |
| Happily, the government of the United States gives no sanction to bigotry and no assistance to persecution. |
| Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone. |
| Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder. |
| Let your discourse with men of business be short and comprehensive. |
| Superfluous compliments are to be avoided, yet where due, they are not to be neglected. |
| The best and only safe road to honor and dignity is justice. |
| Speak not when you should hold your peace. |
| Every action done in company, ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present. |
| Think before you speak. |
| Truth will ultimately prevail where there are pains to bring it to light. |
| Whatever the goal, good moral character is the first essential. |