Human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.
Washington wrote this in a letter of 19 August 1789 to the bishops and clergy of the Protestant Episcopal Church, a few months into his first term as president. He thanks Americans for their good opinion of him and says that the link between happiness and moral duty will keep prompting him to promote the first by encouraging the second.
Source: Letter to the Protestant Episcopal Church, 19 August 1789
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Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.
— George Washington's Farewell Address
One of the expedients of party to acquire influence, within particular districts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts.
— George Washington's Farewell Address
While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.
— Writings
If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known, that we are at all times ready for War.
— The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources 1745-1799 Volume 39 (General Index O-Z List of Letters) - Leather Bound
Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of Action; and bidding an Affectionate farewell to this August body under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my Commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life. (Address to Congress on Resigning Commission Dec 23, 1783)
— Writings
It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.
