By George!

by Steven Selzer

Rudeness. Crudeness. Thoughtlessness. Uncivilized behavior is everywhere. From the boss who publicly chews out her assistant and the student who bullies his professor to the sports fan who yells obscenities at the ballgame, there's little doubt that we live in an increasingly barbaric world. When author Steven Selzer was researching the subject of civility, he found that George Washington had written 110 rules of civility and decent behavior at the age of 14. Although these guidelines are 250 years old, they are still pertinent in today's society. By George: Mr. Washington's Guide to Civility presents the 110 rules with engaging and conversational commentary after each rule, describing how it can be applied in modern life. Interspersed throughout the book are anecdotes, sidebars, and quotes. The tips and principles in By George will enable readers to better handle interpersonal conflicts, conduct business, and manage everyday stress with grace and civility.Rule # 56Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company.Rule # 40Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgment to others with modesty.Rule # 37In speaking to others, do not lean nor look them full in the face, nor approach too near them. At least keep a full pace from them.Rule # 35Let your discourse with men of business be short and comprehensive.Rule # 22Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another though he were your enemy.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2000

Reviews

[Mary Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Selzer gives his updated interpretations of Washington's rules for civility and uses occasional anecdotes to show their relevance in current society. I'm all in favor of any attempt to spread good manners, but Selzer's attempt fell short in my mind. The anecdotes aren't memorable (and one is lifted word for word from the internet, and, even worse, is untrue, according to Snopes). Bottom line, don't be gross, show respect to others, and live by the Golden Rule. Why? Because it's the right thing to do. Washington was a bit more specific, but I truly don't think it needs to be explained to the type of person who's going to pick this book up.

[Peter Teagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be read, if not for its historical value, for the lessons it conveys to a culture that could by-and-large use more manners. With rules like "Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in poor company" (79) and "Think before you speak..." (100), this book is a must-own for the aspiring gentleman. Propriety knows no era.