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Washington's Farewell Address to the People of the United States of America: Published in September, 1796

Book by George Washington · 8 quotes · Farewell Address, Morality, Nations

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Washington's Farewell Address to the People of the United States of America: Published in September, 1796 Quotes

“Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us have none, or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves, by artificial ties, in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities.”

“In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars.”

“Let us with Caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.”

“Observe good faith and justice towards all Nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be that good policy does not equally enjoin it?”

“If we remain one people, under an efficient government, the period is not far off when we may defy material injury from external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel.”