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About this quote

What does it mean?
Washington expresses a preference for private life over absolute political power.
In plain terms
He would rather farm than rule the world.
What can you take from it?
Private life can be more valuable than power.

Where it applies

  • career decisions
  • public office
  • retirement

Putting it to work

  • value personal time
  • recognize limits of power

Questions to consider

  • What is a good life?
  • Why seek power if you can leave it?

Another view

Some find deep purpose in wielding significant influence.

More from George Washington

  1. How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and th…

    Permalink to quote #84
  2. I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.

    Permalink to quote #86
  3. Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.

    Permalink to quote #83

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