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About this quote

What does it mean?
A humorous remark suggesting Washington might object to being called 'father' of the country.
In plain terms
Washington would not like the title father of the country.
What can you take from it?
Titles can feel inappropriate to the people who hold them.

Where it applies

  • historical commentary
  • political rhetoric
  • casual conversation

Putting it to work

  • critiquing national myths
  • using humor in history

Questions to consider

  • Do titles distort history?
  • How should we remember founders?

Another view

This is likely a joke, not a genuine historical quote.

More from George Washington

  1. Had Washington been born in the days of idolatry, he would be worshiped as a god. If there are spots on his characters, they are like spots on the sun, only di…

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  2. May it please Heaven that his example shall continue to serve as a beacon to our Republics in their darkest moments of doubt and adversity.

    Permalink to quote #160
  3. 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 …

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