Friday, October 17, 2008

George Washington's Rules of Civility

Jack has been using George Washington's Rules of Civility for his copywork for school. If you have not read these, they are very worth the time. Some of them are so funny and a few are very antiquated, but mostly, they still apply today in many ways. I was struck by how nearly everyone of these "not-so-common courtesies" would help us to be less self-focused, more thoughtful and self-disciplined. Here are a few examples.

Be not hasty to believe flying Reports to the Disparagement of any.
............
Be not froward but friendly and Courteous; the first to Salute hear and answer & be not Pensive when it's a time to Converse.
................
Just 2 of the 110 "rules". Many of them are just so funny. We have had many laughs over these next ones:
Show Nothing to your Friend that may affright him.
..................
Cleanse not your teeth with the table cloth napkin, fork, or knife; but if others do it, let it be done without a peep to them.


.....................

When in Company, put not your Hands to any Part of the Body, not usually Discovered.

4 comments:

Amber said...

That last one is so funny! You had told it to me already and I still laughed reading it! I went to the site and there are so many good ones. I will have to have Madison do them next year (not this year or I will spent too much time explaining words - half of them I would have to look up too) :-)

Coriander said...

I know what you mean! They are really good for instruction on consideration of others.

Ashley said...

That is neat, I have never even heard of them and I am almost finished with my Bachelor's Degree. He sure is getting a great education!

Karmen said...

That last one... haha.
Jack must be learning a lot!