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About this quote

What does it mean?
This phrase highlights Washington's leading role in war and peace, and his popularity. It is a succinct tribute.
In plain terms
He was the leader in war, peace, and in people's love.
What can you take from it?
True leadership earns respect in all aspects of life.

Where it applies

  • commemorating heroes
  • evaluating leaders
  • historical reflection

Putting it to work

  • measure leaders by deeds
  • honor service

Questions to consider

  • What makes a leader first in the hearts?
  • Can one person embody all virtues?

Another view

This view idealizes one person above all others.

More from George Washington

  1. Let him who looks for a monument to Washington look around the United States. Your freedom, your independence, your national power, your prosperity, and your p…

    Permalink to quote #155
  2. Washington's is the mightiest name of earth - long since mightiest in the cause of civil liberty; still mightiest in moral reformation. On that name no eulogy …

    Permalink to quote #157
  3. On the whole, his character was, in its mass, perfect, in nothing bad, in few points indifferent; and it may truly be said, that never did nature and fortune c…

    Permalink to quote #154

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