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About this quote

What does it mean?
Freemen fighting for their own liberty are stronger than mercenaries fighting for pay.
In plain terms
Free people fight better than hired soldiers.
What can you take from it?
Motivation matters in conflict.

Where it applies

  • military morale
  • national defense

Putting it to work

  • inspiring troops
  • valuing freedom

Questions to consider

  • What motivates you to fight?
  • Is freedom worth dying for?

Another view

This assumes all mercenaries lack courage.

More from George Washington

  1. To expect ... the same service from raw and undisciplined recruits, as from veteran soldiers, is to expect what never did and perhaps never will happen. Men, w…

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  2. The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier defending the dearest rights and liberties…

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  3. I have often though how much happier I should have been, if instead of accepting of a command under such circumstances, I had taken my musket upon my shoulders…

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