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About this quote

What does it mean?
Washington is praised for remaining humble and not abusing power.
In plain terms
Washington did not get corrupted by power.
What can you take from it?
Resist corruption from power.

Where it applies

  • political leadership
  • personal conduct

Putting it to work

  • limiting authority
  • self-reflection

Questions to consider

  • How do you stay humble?
  • What does power do to people?

Another view

History is complex and few leaders are perfect.

More from George Washington

  1. One of the greatest captains of the age.

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  2. Eternity alone can reveal to the human race its debt of gratitude to the peerless and immortal name of Washington.

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  3. Washington's appointments, when president, were made with a view to gather all the talent of the country in support of the national government; and he bore man…

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