And we’ve heard quite a bit about the need for civility during the last year or two or so.
But I guess this isn’t anything new. Apparently, even George Washington stressed civility.
Because we’ve just celebrated Presidents’ Day this week and because the 22nd was George Washington’s birthday, I thought this might be a good time to share some of our first president’s rules of civility. These are some of my favorites from his list of over 100:
When in company, put not your hands to any part of the body not usually discovered.
Sleep not when others speak; sit not when others stand; speak not when you should hold your peace; walk not on when others stop.
In the presence of others, sing not to yourself with a humming voice, or drum with your fingers or feet.
Play not the peacock, looking every where about you, to see if you be well decked, if your shoes fit well, if your stockings sit neatly and clothes handsomely.
Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of others and ask not how they came. What you may speak in secret to your friend, deliver not before others.
Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.
Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.
Being set at meat scratch not, neither spit, cough, or blow your nose except there's a necessity for it.
Take no salt or cut bread with your knife greasy.
Drink not nor talk with your mouth full; neither gaze about you while you are a drinking.
Put not your meat to your mouth with your knife in your hand; neither spit forth the stones of any fruit pie upon a dish nor cast anything under the table.
Washington’s list goes on. How do your ideas about civility compare to those of George Washington?
2 comments:
I heard some variation of those when I was a kid. Thanks for sharing these.
I heard some variation of those when I was a kid. Thanks for sharing these.
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