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George Washington's Rules of Civility: Complete With the Original French Text & New French to English
English, French (translation)Original French
128 pages, Hardcover
First published November 30, 1887
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About the author
George Washington
1,572 books238 followersGeorge Washington was an American military leader, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first President of the United States. He is often referred to as the "Father of His Country" for the central role he played in the founding and early development of the nation.
Born into a family of Virginia planters, Washington grew up on the family's estates and received limited formal education. As a young man, he became a land surveyor, which provided him valuable knowledge of the American frontier. He began his military career in the Virginia militia during the French and Indian War, gaining experience that would later serve him during the American Revolution.
In 1775, with tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain reaching a breaking point, Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army by the Second Continental Congress. Leading a force that was often underfunded, poorly equipped, and inexperienced, Washington faced a series of challenges. Despite suffering early defeats, he demonstrated resilience and strategic skill, securing important victories at Trenton and Princeton. His leadership at the Siege of Yorktown led to the surrender of British forces and ultimately secured American independence.
Following the Revolutionary War, Washington voluntarily resigned his commission and returned to private life at Mount Vernon, a move that reinforced the principle of civilian control of the military. However, the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation soon became evident, and Washington returned to public service as the presiding officer at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. His steady leadership helped facilitate the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution.
Unanimously elected as the first President, Washington took office in 1789 and served two terms. During his presidency, he set many important precedents that would shape the role of the executive branch, including the creation of a Cabinet and the peaceful transfer of power. His leadership style emphasized unity and national identity at a time when political divisions threatened the stability of the new republic.
Washington's foreign policy was characterized by neutrality, particularly during the conflicts arising from the French Revolution. He promoted peaceful relations with foreign powers, most notably through the Jay Treaty with Great Britain. Domestically, he dealt with challenges such as the Whiskey Rebellion, asserting the authority of the federal government to maintain order.
Although a wealthy plantation owner who held enslaved people throughout his life, Washington's views on slavery evolved over time. In his will, he made arrangements to free the individuals he directly owned, setting a precedent among the Founding Fathers and reflecting his personal conflict over the institution.
After completing two terms, Washington declined to seek a third, emphasizing the importance of term limits and setting a lasting example. In his Farewell Address, he warned against the dangers of political factions and entanglements in foreign affairs, advice that influenced American political thought for generations.
George Washington's legacy endures in American culture, politics, and national identity. His name and image have been commemorated in countless ways, from the capital city of Washington, D.C., to monuments, currency, and public institutions. Admired for his leadership, character, and devotion to republican ideals, Washington remains one of the most respected figures in United States history.
Born into a family of Virginia planters, Washington grew up on the family's estates and received limited formal education. As a young man, he became a land surveyor, which provided him valuable knowledge of the American frontier. He began his military career in the Virginia militia during the French and Indian War, gaining experience that would later serve him during the American Revolution.
In 1775, with tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain reaching a breaking point, Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army by the Second Continental Congress. Leading a force that was often underfunded, poorly equipped, and inexperienced, Washington faced a series of challenges. Despite suffering early defeats, he demonstrated resilience and strategic skill, securing important victories at Trenton and Princeton. His leadership at the Siege of Yorktown led to the surrender of British forces and ultimately secured American independence.
Following the Revolutionary War, Washington voluntarily resigned his commission and returned to private life at Mount Vernon, a move that reinforced the principle of civilian control of the military. However, the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation soon became evident, and Washington returned to public service as the presiding officer at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. His steady leadership helped facilitate the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution.
Unanimously elected as the first President, Washington took office in 1789 and served two terms. During his presidency, he set many important precedents that would shape the role of the executive branch, including the creation of a Cabinet and the peaceful transfer of power. His leadership style emphasized unity and national identity at a time when political divisions threatened the stability of the new republic.
Washington's foreign policy was characterized by neutrality, particularly during the conflicts arising from the French Revolution. He promoted peaceful relations with foreign powers, most notably through the Jay Treaty with Great Britain. Domestically, he dealt with challenges such as the Whiskey Rebellion, asserting the authority of the federal government to maintain order.
Although a wealthy plantation owner who held enslaved people throughout his life, Washington's views on slavery evolved over time. In his will, he made arrangements to free the individuals he directly owned, setting a precedent among the Founding Fathers and reflecting his personal conflict over the institution.
After completing two terms, Washington declined to seek a third, emphasizing the importance of term limits and setting a lasting example. In his Farewell Address, he warned against the dangers of political factions and entanglements in foreign affairs, advice that influenced American political thought for generations.
George Washington's legacy endures in American culture, politics, and national identity. His name and image have been commemorated in countless ways, from the capital city of Washington, D.C., to monuments, currency, and public institutions. Admired for his leadership, character, and devotion to republican ideals, Washington remains one of the most respected figures in United States history.
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August 18, 2023
A nice little book of maxims, proverbs, and etiquette that George Washington used to bound his personal and professional behavior. It is illustrative of Washington's punctilious courtesy, self-control, poise, and self-discipline that he observed both publicly and privately, and, in their own way, show a man of basic common decency so much different from the narcissists and sociopaths infesting the American body politic today.
August 1, 2022
George Washington didn’t really write this. It was first written by a French Jesuit in the 16th century, and the English translation was done in the 17th century. All Washington did was copy this down in his own handwriting. Pretty good deal for GW that he got credit for this.
It’s not about morals or philosophy, but more about etiquette. Just some day-to-day tips to keep in mind when you are conversing and dining with others.
I thought it was pretty neat. Most are useful and have relevance today.
Etiquette is not emphasized as much nowadays. It may not seem important to follow, say Rule 11: “Shift not yourself in Sight of others nor Gnaw your nails”. Understandably, people think there are more important things to teach people as they grow up.
But perhaps etiquette is underrated now. I think these rules come down to just treating people with respect. It's not always obvious how your actions might impact others; for instance you might not realize that chewing your nails during a meeting distracts others or might be taken by the speaker to be a sign of disinterest in what they are saying. So a handbook of simples rules can be really helpful. I was surprised at how timeless most of the rules felt.
It’s not about morals or philosophy, but more about etiquette. Just some day-to-day tips to keep in mind when you are conversing and dining with others.
I thought it was pretty neat. Most are useful and have relevance today.
Etiquette is not emphasized as much nowadays. It may not seem important to follow, say Rule 11: “Shift not yourself in Sight of others nor Gnaw your nails”. Understandably, people think there are more important things to teach people as they grow up.
But perhaps etiquette is underrated now. I think these rules come down to just treating people with respect. It's not always obvious how your actions might impact others; for instance you might not realize that chewing your nails during a meeting distracts others or might be taken by the speaker to be a sign of disinterest in what they are saying. So a handbook of simples rules can be really helpful. I was surprised at how timeless most of the rules felt.
February 21, 2012
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.
A great read.
August 10, 2011
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."
"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."
October 7, 2019
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 :
--------------
#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.
.
Excerpts :
--------------
#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.
.
June 9, 2013
Fascinating story, great character development...could barely put it down. The original premise, however, was hard to swallow. After living in New York City as a single career girl for many years, I spent hundreds of nights out with a girlfriend and (considering myself a fairly attractive woman), never did I sit down next to a single man, whose 'brother' never shows up, and he is rich, handsome, single and takes my friend and myself for a night on the town and many after : ) Just saying' But truly loved the book!!
The underlying list of rules for a polite society that were originally written by George Washington as a teenager should be the core curriculum of every elementary school child in America! (and the world!)
The underlying list of rules for a polite society that were originally written by George Washington as a teenager should be the core curriculum of every elementary school child in America! (and the world!)
July 18, 2012
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.
November 7, 2014
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.
November 26, 2014
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").
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").
July 2, 2011
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!
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!
November 19, 2017
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.
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.
May 18, 2012
Short book, chock full of pithy admonitions which all boil down to Washington's first rule: "Every action done in company ought to be done with some sign of respect to those that are present." And isn't that the main point of all etiquette? Brookhiser's introduction and commentary add context, dimension, and a bit of humor. Quite a few portraits of Washington throughout the book.
August 21, 2018
Wonderful little book, and not just for bathroom reading. Loved the little excerpts about our first President's life, interspersed within these precepts. Oh that we would practice such kindness, respect, and self-discipline in our present age.
June 30, 2021
I loved this book!
July 14, 2016
This is an interesting and short little book compiled and annotated by historian Richard Brookhiser. The
110 Rules of Civility
(etiquette) was originally compiled by French Jesuits in 1595, translated into English in 1640 and copied in abbreviated form by George Washington in his youth (aged 13-ish give or take a few years in either direction). He carried that list of rules with him for the rest of his life and used them to mold himself into the man he wanted to be.
Brookhiser, who wrote a fine biography of Washington, here provides an excellent and insightful introduction to the Rules relating their history, importance to people of the time, and drawing a much-needed modern analogy between etiquette (behavior in public) and morality.
Brookhiser's must-read introduction is 23 small pages and also includes a splendidly brief character sketch of Washington, relating elements of his life and temperament to the rules; then follow the rules with updated grammar, spelling, and occasional comments by Brookhiser on 61 widely-spaced & illustrated pages. The book is easily read in an afternoon by anyone from middle-school on up.
This is a fine adjunct to any level of scholarship on Washington and/or the American Revolution. More importantly, they make for excellent family discussion with any young person studying these topics, or simply on their own merits.
Brookhiser asks an important question, one we should all be asking and answering in our family discussions: "What use is etiquette in an age of daytime television and drive-time radio?" These rules, outdated, can provide context and unintentional humor ("don't spit in the fire…") to the more important discussion of how we should ALL behave to one another as decent human beings.
Perhaps now more than ever our children and our society will benefit from a little more etiquette, a few more rules for behavior based in kindness and consideration for the 'other,' no matter who we are or who that 'other' may be.
One etiquette rule in the household of my youth (and my children's) was to hold open doors for elders, no matter who I or they were, because the default behavior in dealing with a loved one or a stranger must be respect, else what's a civilization for?
Brookhiser, who wrote a fine biography of Washington, here provides an excellent and insightful introduction to the Rules relating their history, importance to people of the time, and drawing a much-needed modern analogy between etiquette (behavior in public) and morality.
"… to dismiss "The Rules of Civility" as "mere" etiquette, and outdated etiquette at that, is to miss the point. The rules address moral issues, but they address them indirectly. To say that they focus on etiquette is another way of saying that they are morally indirect. This is what separates them from Franklin's maxims (as well as the self-help and how-to manuals of today) … Franklin's little sermonettes …make clear and fairly blunt moral points … "The Rules of Civility" take a different tack. They seek to form the inner [person] by shaping the outer."
Brookhiser's must-read introduction is 23 small pages and also includes a splendidly brief character sketch of Washington, relating elements of his life and temperament to the rules; then follow the rules with updated grammar, spelling, and occasional comments by Brookhiser on 61 widely-spaced & illustrated pages. The book is easily read in an afternoon by anyone from middle-school on up.
This is a fine adjunct to any level of scholarship on Washington and/or the American Revolution. More importantly, they make for excellent family discussion with any young person studying these topics, or simply on their own merits.
Brookhiser asks an important question, one we should all be asking and answering in our family discussions: "What use is etiquette in an age of daytime television and drive-time radio?" These rules, outdated, can provide context and unintentional humor ("don't spit in the fire…") to the more important discussion of how we should ALL behave to one another as decent human beings.
Perhaps now more than ever our children and our society will benefit from a little more etiquette, a few more rules for behavior based in kindness and consideration for the 'other,' no matter who we are or who that 'other' may be.
One etiquette rule in the household of my youth (and my children's) was to hold open doors for elders, no matter who I or they were, because the default behavior in dealing with a loved one or a stranger must be respect, else what's a civilization for?
July 14, 2008
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.
June 24, 2012
In his youth, George Washington copied over 100 popular maxims to help guide his behavior. While not necessarily covering the moral aspect of life, they do provide insight into the traits that Washington, along with other genteel folk of the period, thought were important in an individual.
Brookhiser does not an excellent job annotating the original text and occasionally points out areas where Washington's behavior fell short of the standard. This helps the reader have a look at Washington the man, as opposed to the monument we are presented with so often.
Brookhiser does not an excellent job annotating the original text and occasionally points out areas where Washington's behavior fell short of the standard. This helps the reader have a look at Washington the man, as opposed to the monument we are presented with so often.
May 10, 2021
Timeless advice
December 11, 2025
#49 “Use no reproachful language against any one neither curse nor revile.”
(from George Washington’s “Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour In Company and Conversation.”)
Translation: don’t say “QUIET PIGGY” to human reporters whose job it is to ask you questions and inform the public. Only say it to actual pigs that are noisy. (If they’ll
listen.)
~
#53 “ Run not in the Streets, neither go too slowly nor with Mouth open, go not Shaking yr Arms, kick not the earth with yr feet, go not upon the Toes, nor in a Dancing fashion.”
(from George Washington’s “Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour In Company and Conversation.”)
(This was a tough one for me to follow. “Twinkle-toes” Scott)
~
#58 “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.”
~
#88 “Be not tedious in your Discourse, make not many Digressions, nor repeat often the Same manner of Discourse.”
~
#110 ”Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire Called Conscience.”
(from George Washington’s “Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour In Company and Conversation.”)
(from George Washington’s “Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour In Company and Conversation.”)
Translation: don’t say “QUIET PIGGY” to human reporters whose job it is to ask you questions and inform the public. Only say it to actual pigs that are noisy. (If they’ll
listen.)
~
#53 “ Run not in the Streets, neither go too slowly nor with Mouth open, go not Shaking yr Arms, kick not the earth with yr feet, go not upon the Toes, nor in a Dancing fashion.”
(from George Washington’s “Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour In Company and Conversation.”)
(This was a tough one for me to follow. “Twinkle-toes” Scott)
~
#58 “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.”
~
#88 “Be not tedious in your Discourse, make not many Digressions, nor repeat often the Same manner of Discourse.”
~
#110 ”Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire Called Conscience.”
(from George Washington’s “Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour In Company and Conversation.”)
January 14, 2022
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.
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.
May 10, 2021
Poignant and humorous
November 27, 2020
i disagree with almost everything in this book, but especially is rule 73: think before you speak
August 6, 2021
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.
September 13, 2025
Washington was 15 when he copied these from a book of French 16th century maxims. A little uptight, maybe, but I can think of a few people that might benefit from a close reading
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August 27, 2025Some rules were genuinely insightful, some were obvious, and some were bizarre.
A very quick read (<20 minutes.) My edition, probably based on the original, had terrible syntax and spelling. I would pity any ESL people to try to read this.
A very quick read (<20 minutes.) My edition, probably based on the original, had terrible syntax and spelling. I would pity any ESL people to try to read this.
December 12, 2014
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)]
[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)]
November 30, 2025
Five years later and I’ve revisited this book. I think it is both sad and unfortunate how the basic knowledge of this book is unknown or not recognized in modern society. Washington discussed basic manners like not be obnoxious or inappropriate in public and dinner table etiquette.
The other portion of the book I did find a few notable quotes:
“[I]t is absurd to act the same with a clown and a prince”
it reminds me of the Kevin Gates quote “When you entertain a clown, you become part of the circus.”
“It is better to be alone then in bad company”
Overall, not a life changing book, but a cool insight into the mind and life of Washington and a few memorable quotes along the way.
The other portion of the book I did find a few notable quotes:
“[I]t is absurd to act the same with a clown and a prince”
it reminds me of the Kevin Gates quote “When you entertain a clown, you become part of the circus.”
“It is better to be alone then in bad company”
Overall, not a life changing book, but a cool insight into the mind and life of Washington and a few memorable quotes along the way.
February 15, 2016
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.
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.
May 12, 2013
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..
May 2, 2014
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.
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