evidence: George Washington is often quoted with this statement: "Government is not reason, it is not eloquence — it is force! Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." There is no record that George Washington ever said it. [...] The first President of the United States said: "Government is not reason, it is not eloquence,—it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant, and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." [...] Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.—George Washington.