Reviews
George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior: And Other Writings by George Washington
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 some are obviously outdated and don't fit into modern rules of etiquette, but these were my favorite: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.
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.