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George Washington's Farewell Address

william.franklin · 2025-07-04T18:01:22.174533+00:00

A friend of mine suggested celebrating the 4th of July by reading George Washington’s farewell address this morning. I found the reading deeply moving and sharply relevant to our times. https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/resources/pdf/Washingtons_Farewell_Address.pdf Whether for better or worse (likely both), we currently have one of the most powerful and ambitious presidents in American history*. As such, the perspective of the Founder who stepped away from power at age 64 is enlightening. I would like to encourage you to find 50 min today or this weekend to read these 30 pages, preferably slowly and out loud, with friends and fellow-citizens. ----- * it is tempting to say “the most”, but speaking principally, DT can be ranked at highest 4th in ambitious use of power, after FDR, Lincoln, and Washington himself.