I read George Washington’s Farewell Address during my research for the Week in Quotes article this week. I found it quite interesting and surprisingly relevant to today’s politics. Some of you may have read it in school, but I never did. If you’re like me and have never read it, I’d recommend you do, especially if you follow politics at all. Although parts can be difficult to understand, it’s a short read that might not be considered a book by everyone. Nevertheless, I wanted to share my thoughts.
Book Stats
- Title: George Washington’s Farewell Address
- Original Title: The Address of Gen. Washington to the People of America on His Declining the Presidency of the United States
- Author: George Washington with Alexander Hamilton (1796) and James Madison (1792)
- Genre: Nonfiction, Politics, History
- Publication Date: September 1796
- Pages: 36
- Est. Reading Time: 1 hour
- My Rating: 4/5 Stars
- Buy Now: Amazon or Read for free online!
George Washington’s Farewell Address: Retirement
Washington completed his Farewell Address on September 17, 1796, about ten weeks before the next presidential election. In it, Washington announced that he would not run for a third term as president. Two days later, it was first published in the American Daily Advertiser and was quickly reprinted in other newspapers throughout the country. Washington had originally intended to retire after his first term in 1792 but was convinced to return over fears that the nation would break apart without his leadership. Having addressed many internal and external affairs in his second term, Washington expressed his confidence in the country continuing to prosper without him.
“I rejoice, that the state of your concerns, external as well as internal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible with the sentiment of duty, or propriety; and am persuaded, whatever partiality may be retained for my services, that, in the present circumstances of our country, you will not disapprove my determination to retire.”
– George Washington, George Washington’s Farewell Address
Washington goes on to explain that he never felt he was qualified to be president. Any accomplishments during his presidency, he credits to the support of his advisors and the American people. He further explains that, while he will always be a patriot, his public service must come to an end.
“Every day the increasing weight of years admonishes me more and more, that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome.”
– George Washington, George Washington’s Farewell Address
George Washington’s Farewell Address: Advice
“Here, perhaps I ought to stop. But a solicitude for your welfare which cannot end but with my life, and the apprehension of danger, natural to that solicitude, urge me, on an occasion like the present, to offer to your solemn contemplation, and to recommend to your frequent review, some sentiments which are the result of much reflection, of no inconsiderable observation, and which appear to me all-important to the permanency of your felicity as a people. These will be offered to you with the more freedom, as you can only see in them the disinterested warnings of a parting friend, who can possibly have no personal motive to bias his counsel.”
– George Washington, George Washington’s Farewell Address
Rather than stop after the announcement of his retirement, Washington continued with a great deal of advice for the American people on what he viewed as the greatest threats to the nation. I found much of his advice remains valuable and prophetic today. Continue reading for some of my favorites!
Unity
Washington begins his advice by stressing the importance of preserving the Union. He lists some of the differences between the North and the South, and the East and the West, but stresses that each is stronger together. 65 years before the outbreak of the Civil War, Washington foresaw the tendency for regions to disagree.
“Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of american, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the Independence and Liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts, of common dangers, sufferings, and successes.”
– George Washington, George Washington’s Farewell Address
Furthermore, he states that we must always obey the Constitution and laws, as written, until such time as they are legally changed. This is again in reference to unity and no region or group being above the decisions of the whole.
“The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their Constitutions of Government. But the Constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all. The very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish Government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established Government.”
– George Washington, George Washington’s Farewell Address
Political Parties
Washington is no fan of political parties. A position he makes clear in several points of advice. For me, the clearest reason he gives is that parties encourage competition rather than working toward a common goal. This seems especially true nowadays with politicians constantly undoing the work of their rivals.
“The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty.”
– George Washington, George Washington’s Farewell Address
Washington also seems to allude to the fact that rival parties tend to slander each other rather than campaign on their own merits alone. This can easily be seen in the political ads of today. Often it feels like there are more ads AGAINST each candidate than actually presenting reasons to SUPPORT them.
“One of the expedients of party to acquire influence, within particular districts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts. You cannot shield yourselves too much against the jealousies and heart-burnings, which spring from these misrepresentations; they tend to render alien to each other those, who ought to be bound together by fraternal affection.”
– George Washington, George Washington’s Farewell Address
Education
A knowledgeable voter has always been crucial to the success of the United States Government. Something Washington reminds us of in his advice.
“Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened.”
– George Washington, George Washington’s Farewell Address
Foreign Policy
In terms of foreign relations, Washington suggested taking a neutral approach once current engagements were fulfilled. He also suggested working toward an economic position where the U.S. would be self-sufficient, while still maintaining foreign trade where advantageous. The U.S. adhered to this philosophy for many years; remaining neutral in many conflicts, including the beginning of WWI and WWII. However, the U.S. eventually entered into both World Wars and a permanent military alliance in 1949 with the formation of NATO.
“The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connexion as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop.”
– George Washington, George Washington’s Farewell Address
George Washington’s Farewell Address: Final Thoughts
Each year, a member of the U.S. Senate is selected to read Washington’s Farewell Address aloud on the Senate floor in observance of Washington’s Birthday. After reading the Address and Washington’s advice therein, I wish they read it more often. If his advice were followed today, I can’t help but think how much smoother politics might go.
“In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression I could wish; that they will control the usual current of the passions, or prevent our nation from running the course, which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations. But, if I may even flatter myself, that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some occasional good; that they may now and then recur to moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism; this hope will be a full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare, by which they have been dictated.”
– George Washington, George Washington’s Farewell Address
Political journalist John Avlon said George Washington’s Farewell Address was “once celebrated as a civic Scripture, more widely reprinted than the Declaration of Independence… but is now almost forgotten.” If you take the time to read it, I hope you’ll find it as interesting and enjoyable as I did. If you have read it, what was your favorite part? Did I touch on it or was it something else? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
If you haven’t yet, check out my week in quotes article, History September 15th – 21st. Also, please subscribe or follow us to never miss a Quill Quotes post!
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