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24 reviews for:
Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation
George Washington
3.89 AVERAGE
24 reviews for:
Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation
George Washington
3.89 AVERAGE
Would definitely not want to live in the 18th century, but I would vote to reestablish many of these rules. Love the illustrations also.
A small yet greatly profound primer on the beauty of civility by the greatest Founder, written when he was fourteen. A must-read for our barbaric generation.
The Washington College "Little Red Book," I received my copy as an entering freshman in 2005. As good ol' George reminded us all at the 2011 commencement, everyone (including WAC students on May Day) should remember rule #7:
Put not off your clothes in the presence of others, nor go out your chamber half dressed.
funny
informative
I read Amor Towles's Rules of Civility, which takes its name and much of its theme from this book, so I decided to see what Tinker had been relying on to make his way in the world. The five-star rating is due mainly to that literary connection and historical interest than in finding many of the rules applicable today. However, many are more applicable than I would have thought.
Though an interesting look at what constituted proper behavior for upper class men in the 18th century, this edition is not particularly clear on the actual origin of the rules (which were not written by Washington, but translated by him). It is unlikely that most people from other walks of life followed these even at the time, which is why the comments in other reviews to the effect that people should follow these more strictly today amuse me a little. Though yes, there are some very good suggestions and much of what is suggested does contribute toward good manners, it's important to remember the cultural milieu of these things.
One of the odder aspects is the emphasis on social rank, to include such things as what order a group of people should walk in, and who you can and cannot lodge with, even if the invitation is extended (also based on rank). Though there may be limited situations in which knowing these things might be useful today, I don't know very many people that exceptionally aware of their rank in comparison to others. Some good suggestions, but also many suggestions that, if followed to the letter, would complicate a situation more than help it.
So, in my view, it's mostly useful as a historical document that does help to illustrate the path to present-day good manners. It should not, for most people, be a strict rulebook to be taken at face value. More importantly, published editions should offer more analysis of the origins of the rules than this edition seemed to do.
One of the odder aspects is the emphasis on social rank, to include such things as what order a group of people should walk in, and who you can and cannot lodge with, even if the invitation is extended (also based on rank). Though there may be limited situations in which knowing these things might be useful today, I don't know very many people that exceptionally aware of their rank in comparison to others. Some good suggestions, but also many suggestions that, if followed to the letter, would complicate a situation more than help it.
So, in my view, it's mostly useful as a historical document that does help to illustrate the path to present-day good manners. It should not, for most people, be a strict rulebook to be taken at face value. More importantly, published editions should offer more analysis of the origins of the rules than this edition seemed to do.
This was a quality little gem that I'd like to own. Many of the practices should still be put into effect today so we can be more decent people. But, sadly, they've fallen by the wayside. I liked rule #96: It's unbecoming to stoop much to one's meat. Keep fingers clean and when foul wipe them on the corner of your table napkin. Why aren't I using the word foul more in my everyday conversation? That's the best word.
There were a few rules that I thought were stupid like rule #85: In company of those higher quality than yourself, speak not till you are asked a question, then stand upright, put off your hat and answer in few words. I don't like the answer in a few words part. Maybe I'm breaking rule #73 so I'll stop.
There were a few rules that I thought were stupid like rule #85: In company of those higher quality than yourself, speak not till you are asked a question, then stand upright, put off your hat and answer in few words. I don't like the answer in a few words part. Maybe I'm breaking rule #73 so I'll stop.
An interesting list of rules President Washington translated when he was 14 from French and strived to live by. Some are very outdated, but quite a lot still ring true.
Should be required reading before anyone is allowed to comment or post online.