George Washington Quotes

Be not curious to know the affairs of others, neither approach to those that speak in private.

• manners
• curiosity

Understand the context.

Speak no evil of the absent, for it is unjust.

• manners
• gossip

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Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.

• conscience

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Let the hospitality of the House, with respect to the poor, be kept up; Let no one go hungry away. If any of these kind of People should be in want of Corn, supply their necessities, provided it does not encourage them in idleness; and I have no objection to your giving my Money in Charity, to the Amount of forty or fifty Pounds a Year, when you think it well bestowed. What I mean, by having no objection, is, that it is my desire that it should be done. You are to consider that neither myself or Wife are now in the way to do these good Offices. In all other respects, I recommend it to you, and have no doubts, of your observing the greatest Oeconomy and frugality; as I suppose you know that I do not get a farthing for my services here more than my Expenses; It becomes necessary, therefore, for me to be saving at home.

• charity

Understand the context.

Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence; true friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation.

• friends
• trust
• manners

When there is no occasion for expressing an opinion, it is best to be silent.

• silence

Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.

• government

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

• freedom
• liberty