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 · 1,569 ratings  · 205 reviews

Start your review of George Washington's Rules of Civility

Every American ought to read--no, ought to own this book. It's only 44 pages, hardly a book at all. And the Rules of Civility are more a curiosity than anything else. But each of us should read and ponder the four addresses, especially Washington's 1796 statement on the occasion of him not seeking a third term as President, once a year.

A great read.

Every American ought to read--no, ought to own this book. It's only 44 pages, hardly a book at all. And the Rules of Civility are more a curiosity than anything else. But each of us should read and ponder the four addresses, especially Washington's 1796 statement on the occasion of him not seeking a third term as President, once a year.

A great read.

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Have endured a week of people that really need to read this book! Then I realized I never rated it here. Thinking over the little rules here really makes me smile, at least! It's great fun with the writing style and manners covered. I seem to remember something about "do not bedew another man with your spittle by approaching too close when you speak." ;-p And while I think we can thank our lucky stars that some rules (such as how to politely pick lice off oneself in public) are no longer relevan Have endured a week of people that really need to read this book! Then I realized I never rated it here. Thinking over the little rules here really makes me smile, at least! It's great fun with the writing style and manners covered. I seem to remember something about "do not bedew another man with your spittle by approaching too close when you speak." ;-p And while I think we can thank our lucky stars that some rules (such as how to politely pick lice off oneself in public) are no longer relevant, most of modern America could learn a great deal of practical civility from their Founding Father!

"Copied out by hand as a young man aspiring to the status of Gentleman, George Washington's 110 rules were based on a set of rules composed by French Jesuits in 1595."

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The aphorisms - 110 in all -- Washington collected and lived by! At times offers an unexpected glimpse into colonial American life. Difficult to understand in some areas due to the older style of English.

Excerpts :
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#1. Every action done in company, ought to be with some sign of respect, to those that are present.

#3. Show nothing to your friend that may affright him.

#15. Keep your nails clean and short, also your hands and teeth clean yet without showing any great concern for them.

#1

The aphorisms - 110 in all -- Washington collected and lived by! At times offers an unexpected glimpse into colonial American life. Difficult to understand in some areas due to the older style of English.

Excerpts :
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#1. Every action done in company, ought to be with some sign of respect, to those that are present.

#3. Show nothing to your friend that may affright him.

#15. Keep your nails clean and short, also your hands and teeth clean yet without showing any great concern for them.

#17. Be no flatterer, neither play with any that delights not to be play'd withal.

#21. Reproach none for the infirmities of nature...

#22. Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another though he were your enemy.

#23. When you see a crime punished, you may be inwardly pleased; but always show pity to the suffering offender.

#24. Do not laugh too loud or too much at any publick spectacle.

#25. Superfluous compliments... are to be avoided...

#29. When you meet with one of greater quality than yourself, stop, and retire especially if it be at a door or any straight place to give way for him to pass.

#38. In visiting the sick, do not play the physician if you be not knowing therein.

#40. Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgment to others with modesty.

#43. Do not express joy before one sick or in pain for that contrary passion will aggravate his misery.

#44. When a man does all he can though it succeeds not well, blame not him that did it.

#49. Use no reproachfull language against any one; neither curse nor revile.

#51. Wear not your clothes foul, ripped or dusty...

#52. In your apparel be modest and endeavor to accommodate nature, rather than to procure admiration keep to the fashion of your equals such as are civil and orderly with respect to times and places.

#54. 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 clothes handsomely.

#56. Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company.

#58. Let your conversation be without malice or envy...

#63. A man ought not to value himself of his achievements, or rare qualities of wit; much less of his riches, virtue or kindred.

#66. Be not forward but friendly and courteous...

#71. Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of others and ask not how they came.

#72. Speak not in an unknown tongue in company but in your own language and that as those of quality do and not as the vulgar; sublime matters treat seriously.

#82. Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.

#89. Speak not evil of the absent for it is unjust.

#109. Let your recreations be manfull not sinfull.

#110. Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.

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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 sugge 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.

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At the age of 14, George Washington translated and copied down a list of 110 French maxims on civility and decent behavior. Reading these, I'm willing to bet that Washington would be appalled at the current state of civility in the world, but then, I'm sure there were also plenty of people in his own time that appalled him if he truly believed and followed all of these rules.

I think my favorite of the bunch is number 12: "Shake not the head, feet, or legs; roll not the eyes; lift not one eyebrow

At the age of 14, George Washington translated and copied down a list of 110 French maxims on civility and decent behavior. Reading these, I'm willing to bet that Washington would be appalled at the current state of civility in the world, but then, I'm sure there were also plenty of people in his own time that appalled him if he truly believed and followed all of these rules.

I think my favorite of the bunch is number 12: "Shake not the head, feet, or legs; roll not the eyes; lift not one eyebrow higher than the other; wry not the mouth; and bedew no man's face with your spittle by approaching too near him when you speak." Firstly, I'm willing to bet the French writer included the eyebrow thing just because he couldn't do it, and felt annoyed when others could. Second, we really should use the word "bedew" more often these days.

You may remember hearing this book get a mention on Aaron Sorkin's The West Wing. President Bartlett is seen reading the book at one point and explains to his aide Charlie how the book came to be. Then he calls Washington a "poncy little twerp" after reading one of the maxims (the 2nd one, I believe. I'm too tired to Google it right now. The quote from Bartlett could be off as well, but he definitely calls George "poncy").

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Originally written in about 1595, (good manners never really go out of style do they?)these rules governed the conduct of our first president George Washington. Here is the first:

1. Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.

This one had my boys laughing:

13. Kill no vermin, or fleas, lice, ticks, etc. in the sight of others; if you see any filth or thick spittle put your foot dexterously upon it; if it be upon the clothes of your companions, p

Originally written in about 1595, (good manners never really go out of style do they?)these rules governed the conduct of our first president George Washington. Here is the first:

1. Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.

This one had my boys laughing:

13. Kill no vermin, or fleas, lice, ticks, etc. in the sight of others; if you see any filth or thick spittle put your foot dexterously upon it; if it be upon the clothes of your companions, put it off privately, and if it be upon your own clothes, return thanks to him who puts it off.

Though I'm not sure I agree with the first part, I heartily agree with the latter. Only The best kind of friend and companion will tell you if there is spinach in your teeth or toilet paper on your shoe!

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We are told that at age 14, George Washington wrote down 110 rules under the title "Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation." I doubt that anyone would question that he lived his life by these rules.

Some, of course, we would consider antiquated, but there are many gems here: Rule #1 - Every action done in company ought to be done with some sign of respect to those that are present;" Rule #6 - Sleep not when others speak, sit not when others stand, speak not when you sh

We are told that at age 14, George Washington wrote down 110 rules under the title "Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation." I doubt that anyone would question that he lived his life by these rules.

Some, of course, we would consider antiquated, but there are many gems here: Rule #1 - Every action done in company ought to be done with some sign of respect to those that are present;" Rule #6 - Sleep not when others speak, sit not when others stand, speak not when you should hold your peace, walk not when others stop; Rule #110 - "labour to keep alive in your breast that little celestial fire called conscience."

An excellent and natural place to start if you are interested in what it takes to form a more civil society.

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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 renaiss

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.

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Jun 21, 2008 Joshua rated it really liked it  · review of another edition

Recommends it for: any interested in rules of civility

Supposedly written by Washington in his youth, it is said that he based it on rules of etiquette written by French Jesuit monks in the 15th century. Some of the language is a little tough to understand and some of the rules are antiquated. All in all though, a very good reference book for how to act appropriately in a variety of different situations. He has stuff like, and I paraphrase: "Don't laugh at your own jokes", "Don't ask about someone's personal business" and "Don't talk poorly of someo Supposedly written by Washington in his youth, it is said that he based it on rules of etiquette written by French Jesuit monks in the 15th century. Some of the language is a little tough to understand and some of the rules are antiquated. All in all though, a very good reference book for how to act appropriately in a variety of different situations. He has stuff like, and I paraphrase: "Don't laugh at your own jokes", "Don't ask about someone's personal business" and "Don't talk poorly of someone who is not present". Good stuff. ...more

Remarkably unremarkable and far outclassed by Franklin's Poor Richard's Alamac. Of course, though they are both collections of aphorisms its simply not fair to make that comparison seriously. As much as we would like to have Washington expressing his moral principals in a witty and concise matter you just don't get that here, instead you get the remnants of a copying exercise from his teenage years culled from his papers.

So now you can understand the answer to the mystery of why one of the US f

Remarkably unremarkable and far outclassed by Franklin's Poor Richard's Alamac. Of course, though they are both collections of aphorisms its simply not fair to make that comparison seriously. As much as we would like to have Washington expressing his moral principals in a witty and concise matter you just don't get that here, instead you get the remnants of a copying exercise from his teenage years culled from his papers.

So now you can understand the answer to the mystery of why one of the US founding father's precepts on civility and behaviour mirror those of the Ancien Régime of France.

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i disagree with almost everything in this book, but especially is rule 73: think before you speak

I'm here because of the Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. It is quite sad that many of the basic etiquettes and manners is lost in this modern world.

I recently received this little book from a friend written by my relative -- not long ago I discovered that President George Washington was my 3 cousin, 6 times removed. The 110 Rules which are set forth in this little 30-page book are interesting but understandably written in what from today's point of view is very archaic language. Almost all of Washington's Rules are what would generally be considered common sense. An example of both the archaic language and common sense to which I refer is R I recently received this little book from a friend written by my relative -- not long ago I discovered that President George Washington was my 3 cousin, 6 times removed. The 110 Rules which are set forth in this little 30-page book are interesting but understandably written in what from today's point of view is very archaic language. Almost all of Washington's Rules are what would generally be considered common sense. An example of both the archaic language and common sense to which I refer is Rule #79: "Be not apt to relate news if you know not the truth thereof. In discoursing of things, name not your author; always a secret discover not." Another interesting one is #9: "Spit not in the fire, nor stoop low before it. Neither put your hands into the flames to warm them, nor set your feet upon the fire, especially if there be meat before it." A final example is #82: "Undertake not what you cannot perform, but be careful to keep your promise."

[Book 49 of 2014 Target 50 (Jan-5; Feb-3; Mar-4; Apr-3; May 4; Jun-4; Jul-5; Aug-1; Sep-5; Oct-10; Nov-3; Dec-3)]

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Excellent.

This was given to me by some dear friends tonight, along with one of Donald Trump's books, "The Art Of The Comeback". They suggested I compare the two.

Trump loses. Big time.

I'd recommend this to anyone interested in developing their leadership traits, character, and overall reputation. Some of the suggestions are anachronistic, but a great number are still applicable. I wish I'd had this when I was younger.

It's English is slightly archaic, but not so opaque that a bit of patience and c

Excellent.

This was given to me by some dear friends tonight, along with one of Donald Trump's books, "The Art Of The Comeback". They suggested I compare the two.

Trump loses. Big time.

I'd recommend this to anyone interested in developing their leadership traits, character, and overall reputation. Some of the suggestions are anachronistic, but a great number are still applicable. I wish I'd had this when I was younger.

It's English is slightly archaic, but not so opaque that a bit of patience and consideration can't crack it. It's a slim volume. You'll be done in no time.

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I was amazed at this book and all the rules that it gave. My teacher recommended this book for me because I was doing a research paper on rudeness for my college paper and I was at the beginning thinking that this book was not going to provide me with the information that I was going to need. I was wrong and when I began to read the book I ABSOLUTELY loved it!!! Now I can see why my teacher loved this book.. It provided all the morals that people should have nowadays but lack now..

Enjoyed learning about the rules of civility that George Washington wrote when he was only 15. One of my favorites was Rule 83d: "When you deliver a matter do it without Passion & with Discretion, however mean ye Person be you do it too." Think on that for a few minutes. What do you think he meant with that statement? I enjoyed thinking about it. I am challenged to maintain appropriate and careful etiquette and manners though much of that has been lost in our generation and youth. Enjoyed learning about the rules of civility that George Washington wrote when he was only 15. One of my favorites was Rule 83d: "When you deliver a matter do it without Passion & with Discretion, however mean ye Person be you do it too." Think on that for a few minutes. What do you think he meant with that statement? I enjoyed thinking about it. I am challenged to maintain appropriate and careful etiquette and manners though much of that has been lost in our generation and youth. ...more

I love this! Some of these rules definitely still hold true today, (or at least *should*, yet people don't often follow them), and some are very odd and cracked me up because it all sounds so serious, (yet it's telling you not to get too close and spit on the person you're talking to or scratch your privates in public), and some are dated. It's got a 'modern translation' of the actual text, to interpret what the older text means, which is sometimes helpful, sometimes humorous. I love this! Some of these rules definitely still hold true today, (or at least *should*, yet people don't often follow them), and some are very odd and cracked me up because it all sounds so serious, (yet it's telling you not to get too close and spit on the person you're talking to or scratch your privates in public), and some are dated. It's got a 'modern translation' of the actual text, to interpret what the older text means, which is sometimes helpful, sometimes humorous. ...more

Very interesting book of proverbs. And he wrote this when he was fourteen! I wish all parents went over these rules with their fourteen-year old children. Had to think of my own translations for not spitting in the fire and other things that no longer apply to our culture. But that process made the book even more interesting - trying to figure out why there was a rule for some things.

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!

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!

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A very interesting little book on manners and courtesy. There are a few times that I needed to stop and 'translate' in my head what was meant, but most of the rules hold up very well. Someone else mentioned that it would be good for a teenager, and that sounds about right. Some of it is self-evident or explanatory. A very interesting little book on manners and courtesy. There are a few times that I needed to stop and 'translate' in my head what was meant, but most of the rules hold up very well. Someone else mentioned that it would be good for a teenager, and that sounds about right. Some of it is self-evident or explanatory. ...more

Quite a droll little book; to think a 13-year old Washington, even with the consideration of how important manners and overall decorum were in the 18th century (and to a lesser extent, today), is an amusing notion. Many of the 'rules' are still applicable today. Worth a read if one has a spare 15 minutes. Quite a droll little book; to think a 13-year old Washington, even with the consideration of how important manners and overall decorum were in the 18th century (and to a lesser extent, today), is an amusing notion. Many of the 'rules' are still applicable today. Worth a read if one has a spare 15 minutes. ...more

May 12, 2008 Krista rated it really liked it  · review of another edition

Recommends it for: history/government buffs, etiquette buffs

Fun, short read that - aside from reminding me of a few basic manners I'd forgotten - imparts a sense of who the young George Washington was. Really neat to see the old spellings and young writing style! Fun, short read that - aside from reminding me of a few basic manners I'd forgotten - imparts a sense of who the young George Washington was. Really neat to see the old spellings and young writing style! ...more

Charming little book; this would be a nice little gift book, and while the language is old, almost all of the contents are current. The manners required to sit "at fire" may not pertain to today, but many do such as, "Gaze not on the marks and blemishes of others and ask not how they came..." Charming little book; this would be a nice little gift book, and while the language is old, almost all of the contents are current. The manners required to sit "at fire" may not pertain to today, but many do such as, "Gaze not on the marks and blemishes of others and ask not how they came..." ...more

Oct 02, 2011 Mcatherine Lunsford-bowles rated it it was amazing  · review of another edition

Recommends it for: parents with children who read

Recommended to Mcatherine by: NPR

When my sons were teens, I tucked a copy of this book into Christmas Stockings...that was 25 years ago and they still report to me that the lessons learned from the book continue to serve them well.

Its a guide on how to act civilized n d New world

We could all use the advice in this classic that stands the test of time.

Will if you read this book I believe we can actually learn all the manners that you have seen in bridgerton web series.

Born in 1732 into a Virginia planter family, he learned the morals, manners, and body of knowledge requisite for an 18th century Virginia gentleman.

He pursued two intertwined interests: military arts and western expansion. At 16 he helped survey Shenandoah lands for Thomas, Lord Fairfax. Commissioned a lieutenant colonel in 1754, he fought the first skirmishes of what grew into the French and Indi

Born in 1732 into a Virginia planter family, he learned the morals, manners, and body of knowledge requisite for an 18th century Virginia gentleman.

He pursued two intertwined interests: military arts and western expansion. At 16 he helped survey Shenandoah lands for Thomas, Lord Fairfax. Commissioned a lieutenant colonel in 1754, he fought the first skirmishes of what grew into the French and Indian War. The next year, as an aide to Gen. Edward Braddock, he escaped injury although four bullets ripped his coat and two horses were shot from under him.

From 1759 to the outbreak of the American Revolution, Washington managed his lands around Mount Vernon and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses. Married to a widow, Martha Dandridge Custis, he devoted himself to a busy and happy life. But like his fellow planters, Washington felt himself exploited by British merchants and hampered by British regulations. As the quarrel with the mother country grew acute, he moderately but firmly voiced his resistance to the restrictions.

When the Second Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia in May 1775, Washington, one of the Virginia delegates, was elected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. On July 3, 1775, at Cambridge, Massachusetts, he took command of his ill-trained troops and embarked upon a war that was to last six grueling years.

He realized early that the best strategy was to harass the British. He reported to Congress, "we should on all Occasions avoid a general Action, or put anything to the Risque, unless compelled by a necessity, into which we ought never to be drawn." Ensuing battles saw him fall back slowly, then strike unexpectedly. Finally in 1781 with the aid of French allies--he forced the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown.

Washington longed to retire to his fields at Mount Vernon. But he soon realized that the Nation under its Articles of Confederation was not functioning well, so he became a prime mover in the steps leading to the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia in 1787. When the new Constitution was ratified, the Electoral College unanimously elected Washington President

He did not infringe upon the policy making powers that he felt the Constitution gave Congress. But the determination of foreign policy became preponderantly a Presidential concern. When the French Revolution led to a major war between France and England, Washington refused to accept entirely the recommendations of either his Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, who was pro-French, or his Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, who was pro-British. Rather, he insisted upon a neutral course until the United States could grow stronger.

To his disappointment, two parties were developing by the end of his first term. Wearied of politics, feeling old, he retired at the end of his second. In his Farewell Address, he urged his countrymen to forswear excessive party spirit and geographical distinctions. In foreign affairs, he warned against long-term alliances.

Washington enjoyed less than three years of retirement at Mount Vernon, for he died of a throat infection December 14, 1799. For months the Nation mourned him.

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