George WashingtonGeorge Washington, (1732-1799) Founding Father, 1st US President, 'Father of the Country'

George Washington Quote

“All see, and most admire, the glare which hovers round the external trappings of elevated office. To me there is nothing in it, beyond the lustre which may be reflected from its connection with a power of promoting human felicity.”

George WashingtonGeorge Washington
~ George Washington

letter to Catherine Macaulay Graham, 1790

Ratings and Comments


Mike, Norwalk

If only today's despots would but understand that one difference, the difference between promote and force.

Waffler, Smith, Arkansas

Washington may have been the first "no drama" President. Now we will have no drama Obama. Hopefully O will also concentrate on promoting happiness.

E Archer, NYC

Indeed. I don't know what Waffler is smoking, but Obama is a classic narcissist with a messiah complex who absolutely desires the trappings of elevated office and the 'glare' hovering over it. Washington did not seek the presidency at all -- Obama is a professional campaigner -- he has done nothing else. Washington and Obama are complete opposites.

Richard Saunders, Philadelphia, PA

O is going to promote happiness, how? Maybe he could give away cars just like Oprah?

Waffler, Smith, Arkansas

I was only relating to the words in the quote "human felicity".

GWAP, Florida

Washington had humility; Obama doesn't even know how to spell the word...let alone practice it.

jim k, austin tx

E Archer and GWAP have it spelled out.

watchman13, USA

It is wonderful to hear the words so sweet, that the salt has not lost its flavor. O man with a heart, to speak those words, in due season, how sweet it is ! I will sing with the spirit, I will sing with my understanding. The light so bright, that shines in the dark night, till the day dawn, and the shadows flee away. Washington's felicity of heart , to seek and speak on behalf of that which good is. Humility before honour, his due.

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