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WASHINGTON'S RULES of CIVILITY and
DECENT BEHAVIOR
From M.L. Williamson's "Life and Anecdotes of George
Washington" - Sprinkle Publications and from "The Making of George
Washington" by William H. Wilbur
George Washington, the father of our country, exhibited notable
manners throughout his life.
Diligence in social matters was common practice in decent society
the world over during his lifetime. At the age of 14 he wrote down
110 rules under the title "Rules of Civility & Decent
Behavior in Company and Conversation." These rules were drawn from
an English translation of a French book of maxims and were intended
to polish amnners, keep alive the best affections
of the heart, impress the obligation of moral virtues, teach how to
treat others in social relations, and above all, inculcate the
practice of a perfect self-control. The rules have been arranged
by subject and some have been abbreviated and repetitious rules
have been omitted.
RULES WHICH TAUGHT CHARACTER:
*Associate yourself with persons of good character. It is better to
be alone than in bad company.
*Think before you speak.
*Accept corrections thankfully.
*Be not obstinate in supporting your own opinion.
*Treat sublime matters seriously.
*Do not repeat news if you do not know the truth thereof.
*Speak not evil of the absent.
*When you speak of God or His attributes, let it be seriously and
with reverence.
*Honor and obey your natural parents, even though they be poor.
*Let your recreations be manful, not sinful.
*Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial
fire called conscience.
RULES WHICH TAUGHT CONSIDERATION OF OTHERS:
*Do not hum or drum with your hands or feet when in company.
*Do not reprove or correct another in anger.
*Do not curse or revile anyone.
*Let your conversation be without malice or envy.
*Yield the place in front of the fire to the lates comer.
*Jog not the desk on which another reads or writes.
*Do not read the writing or books of another unless asked to do so.
*Speak not injurious words either in jest or in earnest.
*Scoff at none although they give occasion.
*In disputes, give liberty to each one to present his opinion.
*Be attentive when others speak.
*If you cough, sneeze, sigh or yawn, do it privately.
RULES THAT URGED MODESTY:
*Always submit your judgements to others with modesty.
*Do not undertake to teach your equal in an art in which he is
qualified.
*Be modest in your apparel; do not play the peacock.
*Do not fuss with your clothing in public or constantly check your
shoes, your stockings, etc.
*A man should not preen himself about his achievements, his wit,
his virtue, and much less about
his
wealth.
*Laugh not loudly nor at all without occasion.
RULES THAT ADVISED COMPASSION:
*When a man does the best he can, yet succeeds not, do not blame him.
*Do not express joy before one who is sick or in pain.
*Show not yourself glad at another's misfortune.
*Reproach none for the infimities of nature.
RULES THAT ENJOINED RESPECT FOR ELDERS AND PERSONS IN AUTHORITY:
*Show respect for persons of distinction, to judges, and ministers.
*If anyone comes to speak to you while you are sitting, stand up,
even though you may consider
him to be your inferior.
*If you meet a person who is your elder, yield to him the path or
right of way.
*In writing or speaking, always give to every person his due title.
*When your superiors are talking, do not speak or laugh.
*When your elders are talking, speak not until you are asked a
question. Then stand up and
answer in a few words.
RULES WHICH CONCERN CONDUCT:
*Do not laugh too loud or too much in company
*Let your discourse with men of business be short and comprehensive.
*Kill no vermin as flies, lice, ticks, etc. in the sight of others.
*Do not laugh at your own witticisms.
*Show a good example, particularly before the less experienced.
*Do not give advice unless you are asked.
*Be not curious to know the affairs of others.
*Eat not in the streets, nor in the House out of Season.
*Do not contradict at every turn the statements which others make.
*Point not thy finger.
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