Rules of Civility

This past Monday was President's Day here in the U.S., the day we set aside to remember the legacies of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, specifically, and all Presidents in general.

I let it slip by, unremarked upon. Perhaps because I was sleeping in and taking in a movie with my daughter.

At any rate, let's talk for a moment about George Washington. Apparently, when he was a teenager he painstakingly copied down 110 "rules" from a French pamphlet written in 1595, called "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation" and then actually proceeded to attempt to live his life by their precepts.

Today I feature just a few, with thanks to the editors at the Mental Floss website. Some, of course, are obviously dated.

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SELECTIONS FROM "RULES OF CIVILITY AND DECENT BEHAVIOR IN COMPANY AND CONVERSATION"

Every action in company ought to be done with some sign of respect to those that are present.

Sleep not when others speak, sit not when others stand, speak not when you should hold your peace, walk not on when others stop.

Spit not into 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.

Read no letters, books, or papers in company, but when there is a necessity for the doing of it you must ask leave.

Let your countenance be pleasant but in serious matters somewhat grave.

To one that is your equal, or not much inferior, you are to give the chief place in your lodging, and he who 'tis offered ought at the first to refuse it, but at the second to accept though not without acknowledging his own unworthiness.

Tell not your dreams but to your intimate friend.

Look not nigh when another is writing a letter.

Be apt not to relate news if you know not the truth therof.

Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.

Feed not with greediness. Lean not on the table, neither find fault with what you eat.

Shew not yourself glad at the misfortune of another though he were your enemy.

[selected from Mental Floss Magazine blog, via CNN's Living]

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WONDER for YOUR WEEK: How come every time history repeats itself, the price goes up?

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