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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