Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior

We have come a long way in todays society. In technology, science and the arts the advances have been tremendous since the founding of our country. There is one area however where we have definitely NOT progressed, and in fact some would say, including myself, that we have regressed to the point where it seems that we, as individuals only care about ourselves. We can blame our culture, progress, technology or what have you, but it really comes down to one thing. Individuals today have thrown away the rules of common decency, manners and in general what we all learned as kids: "The Golden Rule". Paraphrased, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Todays kids just don't seem to be taught that anymore, and it is all too apparent when you look at some of the actions of their parents.

This doesn't have to remain that status quo however. Our founders taught us a better way and all we have to do is learn those lessons, do the research and start behaving the way we know we should. One of the earliest manuscripts from George Washington was written when he was just 16 years old. At 16 years of age Washington copied 110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation. These rules are as relevant today as they were when Washington copied them onto that piece of parchment more than 260 years ago. To see the full transcript of all 110 Rules you can find it at: http://gwpapers.virginia.edu/documents/civility/transcript.html

I encourage you to follow the above link and read through these 110 Rules. It is time to start setting an example by our own behavior, and what better role model than George Washington and the rules that he lived his life by. I won't recite all of them here but let's hit on a few of the key ones. Hopefully they will give you a starting point and be a guide to how each one of us should start leading our lives.

1. Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.

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.

17. Be no Flatterer, neither Play with any that delights not to be Play'd Withal.

19. Let your Countenance be pleasant but in Serious Matters Somewhat grave.

20. The Gestures of the Body must be Suited to the discourse you are upon.

21. Reproach none for the Infirmaties of Nature, nor Delight to Put them that have in mind thereof.

22. Shew not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy.

25. Superfluous Complements and all Affectation of Ceremonie are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be Neglected.

32. To one that is your equal, or not much inferior you are to give the cheif Place in your Lodging and he to who 'tis offered ought at the first to refuse it but at the Second to accept though not without acknowledging his own unworthiness.

35. Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive.

38. In visiting the Sick, do not Presently play the Physicion if you be not Knowing therein.

39. In writing or Speaking, give to every Person his due Title According to his Degree & the Custom of the Place.

40. Strive not with your Superiers in argument, but always Submit your Judgment to others with Modesty.

43. Do not express Joy before one sick or in pain for that contrary Passion will aggravate his Misery.

44. When a man does all he can though it Succeeds not well blame not him that did it.

45. Being to advise or reprehend any one, consider whether it ought to be in publick or in Private; presently, or at Some other time in what terms to do it & in reproving Shew no Sign of Cholar but do it with all Sweetness and Mildness.

49. Use no Reproachfull Language against any one neither Curse nor Revile.

50. Be not hasty to beleive flying Reports to the Disparag[e]ment of any.

51. Wear not your Cloths, foul, unript or Dusty but See they be Brush'd once every day at least and take heed tha[t] you approach not to any Uncleaness. (or . . . don't be a slob).

54. Play not the Peacock, looking every where about you, to See if you be well Deck't, if your Shoes fit well if your Stokings sit neatly, and Cloths handsomely. (avoid vanity)

56. Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad Company.

58. Let your Conversation be without Malice or Envy, for 'tis a Sig[n o]f a Tractable and Commendable Nature: And in all Causes of Passion [ad]mit Reason to Govern.

62. Speak not of doleful Things in a Time of Mirth or at the Table; Speak not of Melancholy Things as Death and Wounds, and if others Mention them Change if you can the Discourse tell not your Dreams, but to your intimate Friend.

63. A Man o[ug]ht not to value himself of his Atchievements, or rare Qua[lities of wit; much less of his rich]es Virtue or Kindred.

64. Break not a Jest where none take pleasure in mirth Laugh not aloud, nor at all without Occasion, deride no mans Misfortune, tho' there Seem to be Some cause.

Anyway, you get the picture. Personally, it would do the world and our society good if we could just "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and follow that Golden Rule. To conclude my diatribe I'll leave you with Rule 110. It's a rule that, if followed, will enable everyone to enact the other 109.

Rule 110. Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Ce[les]tial fire Called Conscience.