Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation by George Washington - PART I -

A couple of days ago I read a headline on Twitter referring to George Washington and I immediately thought of his incredible booklet. I had seen it for the first time at a friend's house a while back and I couldn't help but get it the time I visited New York for the first time in July 2017.

We can all do with some Decency and Civility in our daily life. What do you reckon?

I thought of publishing these rules periodically and what better way to start than by quoting the Introduction:

"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, George Washington wrote down 110 rules under the title "Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation". These rules were drawn from an English translation of a French book of maxims and were intended to polish manners, 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."

Now, the first ten Rules transcribed below:

1. Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect, to those that are present.
2. When in company, put not your hands to any part of the body, not usually discovered.
3. Show nothing to your friend that may affright him.
4. In the presence of others sing not to yourself with a humming noise, nor drum with your fingers or feet.
5. If you cough, sneeze, sigh, or yawn, do it not loud but privately; and speak not in your yawning, but put your handkerchief or hand before your face and turn aside.

--------------------------------------------------

    6. Sleep not when others speak, sit not when others stand, speak not when you should hold your peace, walk not on when others stop.

 

   7. Put not off your cloths in the presence of others, nor go out your chamber half dressed. 

    8. At play and at fire its good manners to give place to the last comer, and affect not to speak louder than ordinary.

 

   9. Spit not in the fire, nor stoop low before it neither put your hands into the flames to warm them, nor set your feet upon the fire especially if there be meat before it.

 

  10. When you sit down, keep your feet firm and even, without putting one on the other or crossing them. 

It would be a nice experiment to try them out for ten days, right? Are you up for the challenge? Let me know :)

See you soon for the next ten!!