“If new difficulties arise, we must only put forth new exertions and proportion our efforts to the exigency of the times.”

— George Washington, Letter to Philip Schuyler (15 July 1777)

About George Washington

1732 – 1799

First President of the United States and commander of the Continental Army.

“Nothing is a greater stranger to my breast, or a sin that my soul more abhors, than that black and detestable one, ingratitude.”

“Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.”

“Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country.”

“Let them adopt the maxim, "Better luck next time"; and then, by renewed exertion, make that better luck for themselves.”

“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood...”

“Many strokes, though with a little axe, hew down and fell the hardest-timber'd oak.”

“Attempt the end and never stand to doubt; nothing's so hard but search will find it out.”

“Persistence is very important. You should not give up unless you are forced to give up.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”