Childhood Anecdote Quotes
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"George," said his father, "do you know who killed that beautiful little cherry tree yonder in the garden?"
This was a tough question; and George staggered under it for a moment; but quickly recovered himself: and looking at his father, with the sweet face of youth brightened with the inexpressible charm of all—conquering truth, he bravely cried out, "I can't tell a lie, Pa; you know I can't tell a lie. I did cut it with my hatchet."
"Run to my arms, you dearest boy," cried his father in transports, "run to my arms; glad am I, George, that you killed my tree; for you have paid me for it a thousand fold. Such an act of heroism in my son is more worth than a thousand trees, though blossomed with silver, and their fruits of purest gold."
Context
We're really sorry to burst your bubble, but, in real life, little George Washington never chopped down a cherry tree and refused to lie about it. This story and a version of this misquote were made popular in Parson Weem's book, A History of the Life and Death, Virtues and Exploits of General George Washington, which was published in 1800 (the year after Washington died).
Weems claimed to have heard the anecdote from a Washington family friend and, in his eyes, it showed the outstanding moral character of a young George Washington. It didn't hurt that school kids were reading this stuff and learning about the importance of honesty. Seriously, kids. Never tell a lie. Remember what happened to Pinocchio.
Where you've heard it
You've definitely heard this quote trotted out when people are talking about how awesome George Washington was. He was, in truth, very awesome, but even he told lies sometimes. Sorry, we can't lie about that.
The little cartoon Whammy on the front of a one dollar bill on Press Your Luck says, "I cannot tell a lie—you lose!" Harsh.
Pretentious Factor
If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.
Everyone lies. Even little George Washington. So you'll forgive us for rolling our eyes a little bit when you claim to have never uttered a single untruth in your life.