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Reviews
George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior: And Other Writings by George Washington
kimball_hansen's review against another edition
3.0
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.
mfumarolo's review against another edition
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 Some are very outdated, but quite a lot still ring true.
abeckstrom's review against another edition
5.0
Should be required reading before anyone is allowed to comment or post online.
hardcoverhoe's review against another edition
Timeless wisdom. He was not without his flaws, but it is commendable how important good manners, moral, composure, and character were to Washington, even at such a young age.
Some rules are a bit outdated, but most are just as applicable today as they were centuries ago.
“Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.”
Some rules are a bit outdated, but most are just as applicable today as they were centuries ago.
“Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.”
rogue_leader's review against another edition
5.0
Everyone running for public office should read this! Hell, every person should read this! Not everything is relevant anymore, but, what is is gold.
kszielin's review against another edition
3.0
I know a feel people that could really read this, haha. The full list (and the "plain English translations") can be found at http://www.foundationsmag.com/civility.html
quoththegirl's review against another edition
3.0
I picked up George Washington’s Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation while at the Bunker Hill Museum. This little red book is packed with gems like Rule the 35th: “Let your discourse with men of business be short and comprehensive.” Read and be edified.
yamilemb's review against another edition
kinda weird for a slaveowner to talk about rules of civility and decent behavior... some are obviously outdated and don't fit into modern rules of etiquette, but these were my favorite:
16th: Do not Puff up the Cheeks, Loll not out the tongue rub the hands or beard, thrust out the lips, or bite them or keep the Lips too open or too Close (lmaoooo)
20th: The Gestures of the Body must be Suited to the discourse you are upon.
22d: Shew not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy.
23d: When you see a Crime punished, you may be inwardly Pleased; but always shew Pity to the Suffering Offender.
25th: Superfluous Complements and all Affectation of Ceremonie are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be Neglected.
38th: In visiting the Sick, do not Presently play the Physicion if you be not Knowing therein.
40th: Strive not with your Superiers in argument, but always Submit your Judgement to others with Modesty.
41st: Undertake not to Teach your equal in the art himself Proffesses; it Savours of arrogancy.
45th: 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.
54th: Play not the Peacock, looking every where about you, to See if you be well Deck't, if your Shoes fit well if your Stockings Sit neatly, and Cloths handsomely.
56th: Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad Company.
58th: Let your Conversation be without Malice or Envy, for 'tis a Sign of a Tractable and Commendable Nature: And in all Causes of Passion admit Reason to Govern.
63d: A man ought not to value himself of his Atchievements, or rare Qualities of wit; much less of his riches Virtue or Kindred.
79th: Be not apt to relate News if you know not the the truth thereof. In Discoursing of things you Have heard Name not your Author always A Secret Discover not.
82d: Undetake not what you cannot Perform but be Carefull to keep your Promise.
110th: Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire Called Conscience.
16th: Do not Puff up the Cheeks, Loll not out the tongue rub the hands or beard, thrust out the lips, or bite them or keep the Lips too open or too Close (lmaoooo)
20th: The Gestures of the Body must be Suited to the discourse you are upon.
22d: Shew not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy.
23d: When you see a Crime punished, you may be inwardly Pleased; but always shew Pity to the Suffering Offender.
25th: Superfluous Complements and all Affectation of Ceremonie are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be Neglected.
38th: In visiting the Sick, do not Presently play the Physicion if you be not Knowing therein.
40th: Strive not with your Superiers in argument, but always Submit your Judgement to others with Modesty.
41st: Undertake not to Teach your equal in the art himself Proffesses; it Savours of arrogancy.
45th: 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.
54th: Play not the Peacock, looking every where about you, to See if you be well Deck't, if your Shoes fit well if your Stockings Sit neatly, and Cloths handsomely.
56th: Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad Company.
58th: Let your Conversation be without Malice or Envy, for 'tis a Sign of a Tractable and Commendable Nature: And in all Causes of Passion admit Reason to Govern.
63d: A man ought not to value himself of his Atchievements, or rare Qualities of wit; much less of his riches Virtue or Kindred.
79th: Be not apt to relate News if you know not the the truth thereof. In Discoursing of things you Have heard Name not your Author always A Secret Discover not.
82d: Undetake not what you cannot Perform but be Carefull to keep your Promise.
110th: Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire Called Conscience.