I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Washington recognizes that his actions as president will set precedents for future officeholders.
- In plain terms
- Doing something for the first time sets a rule for later.
- What can you take from it?
- First actions in leadership shape future expectations.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you start something new?
- What precedents matter most?
Another view
Rigid adherence to precedent can hinder adaptation to new challenges.
More from George Washington
If this nation expects to be ignorant and free it expects what never was and what will never be.
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