Apparently, when George Washington was 14 years old he wrote down 110 rules that 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 [teach and impress by frequent repetition] the practice of a perfect self-control.”
I believe that today’s society could certainly use a visit to the past to learn correct etiquette and manners from the very fathers of our country. So, here is my attempt to connect 2009 with 1746.
1st Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.
10th When you sit down, keep your feet firm and even, without putting one on the other or crossing them.
23rd When you see a crime punished, you may be inwardly pleased, but always show pity to the suffering offender.
28th If anyone come to speak to you while you are sitting, stand up…
40th Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgment to others with modesty.
41st Undertake not to teach your equal in the art himself professes, it savours of arrogance.
48th Wherein you reprove another be unblameable yourself, for example is more prevalent than precepts.
56th Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.
60th Be not immodest in urging your friends to discover a secret.
66th Be not forward but friendly and courteous…
70th Reprehend not the imperfections of others, for that belongs to parents, masters, and superiors.
74th When another speaks be attentive yourself and disturb not the audience; if any hesitates in his words, help him not, nor prompt him without desired; interrupt him not, not answer him till his speech be ended.
77th …Whisper not in the company of others.
81st Be not curious to know the affairs of others; neither approach those that speak in private.
82nd Undertake not what you cannot perform, but be careful to keep your promise.
89th Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.
94th …Blow not your broth at table but stay till it cools of itself.
97th Put not another bit into your mouth till the former be swallowed. Let not your morsels be too big.
103rd …Lay not your arm but only your hand upon the table.
108th When you speak of God or of his attributes, let it be seriously & with reverence. Honour & obey your natural parents…
109th Let your recreations be manful not sinful.
110th Labour to keep alive in your breast that little celestial fire called conscience.
These rules of civility were part of my senior paper. Not very well known, but I enjoyed reading them all.
ReplyDeleteAwesome, Rachel. I really enjoyed reading them as well. It is fun to think about the people and times of the past and then try to reconnect with them.
ReplyDelete