George J. Mitchell Quotes

Government is a trust, and the officers of the government are trustees; and both the trust and trustees are created for the benefit of the public.

If you accept the privilege of public service, you had better understand the responsibilities of public service.

If they think its such a sacrifice to go into public service, then they should stay the heck out.

Join cooperatively with one another, put aside self-interest, and take on service to the public …

When a man assumes a public trust, he should consider himself as public property.

We are here to serve our citizens and not our ambitions.

Two truths are all too often overshadowed in today's political discourse: Public service is a most honorable pursuit, and so is bipartisanship.

What it missing, I think, is this notion of the common good.

Public business … must always be done by somebody…. If wise men decline it, others will not; if honest men refuse it, others will not.

We want to bring back to Washington people who are more interested in public service than they are in private gain.

Public officers are the trustees of the people.

Government is a progressive instrument for the common good.

He has slipped the surly bonds of public service.

The trust that goes with public service is a heavy burden on those who would lead us.

Bring back that better era of the republic in which, when men consecrated themselves to the public service, they utterly abnegated all selfish purposes.

[Referring to public service:] Men can make a living with far more satisfaction and many less wounds to the souls at some other calling.

Some men are born for the public. Nature by fitting them for the service on a broad scale, has stamped them with the evidence of her destination and their duty.

You must come forth to any Publick Service, whereof you may be capable, when you are called unto it.

The public interest is more than the sum total of the interest groups.

The end of government is the good of mankind.

Those who do not serve the public interest should not hold a public license.

Men in their private capacities may be allowed to prefer their single profit, but should consult only the general good in public councils.

Those who by God are helmsmen are ordained to serve the common weal.

Pubic business must be done. It will be done one way or another. If wise men refuse it, others will not. If honest men refuse it, others will not.

I have not found a single good man in government; I have found good only in the people.