George Washington was generally a pretty stand-up guy. He's famous for his honesty and generally just being a good dude. During his presidency, he really tried to create an environment where everyone would be as honest and upstanding as he tried to be.
It didn't really work. Ambition and political infighting got in the way. (Doesn't it always?) Washington's unhappiness with all the tension probably contributed to this theme in his farewell address of maintaining good principles. His advice and ideas are largely based on his hope that the American people would be, well, good people and uphold the moral principles that they literally fought for in the Revolution.
Questions About Principles
- Given the historical context, why do you think Washington felt that he needed to reiterate a number of principles in this speech?
- What principle do you think is most important to Washington in his farewell address?
- What makes the farewell address a good or bad place to include this theme of principles?
- Do you think Washington was a good person to present these principles in a public message like the address? Why or why not?
Chew on This
Trying to get the American people to live with strong principles was pretty unrealistic of Washington, which he probably knew, having dealt with political infighting for years.
Washington may have genuinely believed that the United States could become a sort of moral paradise if only people were reminded of the benefits of good, principled living.