Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Money was not the reason for taking a difficult job, so no profit is sought.
In plain terms
Serving without seeking money or personal gain.
What can you take from it?
Public service should not be for profit.

Where it applies

  • public office
  • military service
  • volunteering

Putting it to work

  • serve without expecting pay
  • reject bribes
  • prioritize mission

Questions to consider

  • Why do you serve?
  • Should public servants be paid?

Another view

Living expenses often require financial compensation.

More from George Washington

  1. As Mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled t…

    Permalink to quote #77
  2. Bad seed is a robbery of the worst kind: for your pocket-book not only suffers by it, but your preparations are lost and a season passes away unimproved.

    Permalink to quote #79
  3. A wagonload of money will scarcely purchase a wagonload of provisions.

    Permalink to quote #76

Related quotes

  1. In honour I gained them, and in honour I will die with them.

    Horatio NelsonHoratio Nelson quote #16
  2. What's bad about my biography? My father was a worker, my brothers, too, and I have always honestly served my country.

    Hovhannes BagramyanHovhannes Bagramyan quote #2
  3. My character and good name are in my own keeping. Life with disgrace is dreadful. A glorious death is to be envied.

    Horatio NelsonHoratio Nelson quote #3