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Reviews
George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior: And Other Writings by George Washington
jonathaniler's review against another edition
3.0
I found some of the rules that I can show to my class. A good bit of this is very old of course so it doesn't translate to modern times.
rimahsum's review against another edition
3.0
Well for me, basic principles (what we now call protocol) on how to conduct yourself (in terms of clothing, eating, behaving, conversing).
But truth be told - a lot more people, the public really, should read this. Not everyone has had protocol training. But even so, this is something that we learn, and learn even more throughout our lifetime. And its a set of skills that will stick with you throughout your dealings with other people in whatever way.
Manners are but fading - and we need a renaissance. This is one small step to begin with.
I recommend this book for those who wish to be a gentleman. Unless your life says not to, well.
But truth be told - a lot more people, the public really, should read this. Not everyone has had protocol training. But even so, this is something that we learn, and learn even more throughout our lifetime. And its a set of skills that will stick with you throughout your dealings with other people in whatever way.
Manners are but fading - and we need a renaissance. This is one small step to begin with.
I recommend this book for those who wish to be a gentleman. Unless your life says not to, well.
fallona's review against another edition
2.0
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.
mikaiya's review against another edition
4.0
I read the version sold at Mount Vernon, as it caught my eye in the gift shop. Nearly all the rules are perfectly applicable in a modern age, and definitely made me think about where I'm falling short!
Reaffirms the notion that Washington really was as correct and poised in reality as one imagines in the abstract- but with a sense of humor. Delightful (tiny) read!
Reaffirms the notion that Washington really was as correct and poised in reality as one imagines in the abstract- but with a sense of humor. Delightful (tiny) read!
vhp's review against another edition
4.0
Some very good rules of manner, but I couldn't help but cringe when I read the rule for vermin on someone.
I think if George Washington were to see today's society he would be appalled, but as his rules would abide, he wouldn't comment on them, but would keep them to himself until he could write about them in his journal.
All in all, it's an interesting read to see where society manners were and where they have gone to.
I think if George Washington were to see today's society he would be appalled, but as his rules would abide, he wouldn't comment on them, but would keep them to himself until he could write about them in his journal.
All in all, it's an interesting read to see where society manners were and where they have gone to.
silverthane's review against another edition
3.0
A Charming little book reportedly written by George Washington when he was just 14 years old.
The book is laid out as a list of 110 rules for decent behaviour. This may sound a bit dull but it is easy to read through as each rule is very short and most of them are perfectly relevant even today. For example; 56: "Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company" and 89; "Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust"
Of course some of the rules aren't useful anymore such as 55: "Eat not in the streets nor in the house out of season". Some of them are quite funny such as Rule 7 "Put not off your clothes in the presence of others, nor go out your chamber half dressed"
My personal favourite is 44: "When a man does all he can though it succeeds not well blame not him that did it" this one I will commit to memory.
The book is laid out as a list of 110 rules for decent behaviour. This may sound a bit dull but it is easy to read through as each rule is very short and most of them are perfectly relevant even today. For example; 56: "Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company" and 89; "Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust"
Of course some of the rules aren't useful anymore such as 55: "Eat not in the streets nor in the house out of season". Some of them are quite funny such as Rule 7 "Put not off your clothes in the presence of others, nor go out your chamber half dressed"
My personal favourite is 44: "When a man does all he can though it succeeds not well blame not him that did it" this one I will commit to memory.
seareader's review against another edition
5.0
Such a fun little book. Try to adhere to it for just an hour and see if people notice!
misskeesa's review against another edition
I wish more people would read this little booklet. While some of Washington's rules are outdated (when and to whom to doff your hat, for example, and how long to wait before putting it back on your head) others are terribly, potently relevant for today.
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