Top Ten Quotes from the Farewell Address | |
Rank | Quote |
1 | “The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.” |
2 | “With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts of common dangers, sufferings, and successes.” |
3 | ″... all the parts combined cannot fail to find in the united mass of means and efforts greater strength, greater resource, proportionably greater security from external danger, a less frequent interruption of their peace by foreign nations;” |
4 | “The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism.” |
5 | “Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all.” |
6 | “I will only say that I have, with good intentions, contributed towards the organization and administration of the government the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was capable.” |
7 | “The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize.” |
8 | “Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment.” |
9 | “In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression I could wish; that they will control the usual current of the passions, or prevent our nation from running the course which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations. But, if I may even flatter myself that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some occasional good...” |
10 | “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these gr |
Production
Running time: 51 minutes
Read by: John Greenman
Book Coordinator: John Greenman
Meta Coordinator: Ann Boulais
Proof Listener: Kathrine Engan
Artwork
Cover: Landsdowne portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart, 1797
Inset: Williamstown Portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart
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After serving two terms as the first president of the United States, George Washington decided not to seek a third term and opted instead to retire and return to private life. He communicated his decision in a public letter that was published as a broadside on September 19, 1796, as “The Address of Gen. Washington to the People of America on his declining the presidency of the United States”. Washington used the occasion to share his thoughts and give advice to his “friends and fellow-citizens” on what he believed were the greatest threats to the new republic. Four main themes stand out. First, he urged Americans to put their identity as Americans first and to understand that independence, peace, safety, and prosperity are dependent on the union. Second, he urged the country to give the constitutional government time to work and commit to altering it only through the process of amendments, and to be wary of obstruction or subversion by factions. Third, he warned of the dangers of political parties, who tend to lord power over others and take revenge on opponents. Fourth, he advised that America seek a position of neutrality and independence in foreign affairs, noting the risk of foreign meddling in domestic affairs as well as the dangers of entanglement in permanent foreign alliances. In addition, he counseled the nation to balance its budget and conserve its credit by avoiding wars and unnecessary borrowing. Washington’s “Farewell Address” is often cited in the political arena when the topic turns to foreign policy, the rule of law, the perils of partisanship. It will endure as a timely and timeless fountain of sage advice.
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Item Info | |
EAN - DVD case | 0686175923797 |
EAN - CD jacket | 0686175923803 |
Media | MP3 CD, MP3 Download |
Package | DVD Case |
Author | George Washington (1732 - 1799) |
Recording | |
Read by | John Greenman |
Length | 51 minutes |
Type of Reading | Solo |
George Washington's Farewell Address
- Author: George Washington
- Product Code: DB-5019
- Availability: In Stock
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$7.99