I have always loved history, and American history in particular. Just yesterday I found a history-based handwriting excercise for the boys.
As it happens, there is a set of "Rules of Civility" as written down by none other than George Washington when he was a boy practicing good penmanship.
M & S are loving history anyway, and GW is a new favorite personage in our home. As I read over these "Rules of Civility" I was inspired by the realization that they are so biblical! Only mildly old fashioned, and really just good principles... I thought you might like to read some of them. There were 110 when George wrote them down... we've copied far less here. I've italicized my favorites...reflect and enjoy!
George Washington’s Rules of Civility
- Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another, though he were your enemy.
- In visiting the sick do not presently play the physician if you be not knowing therein.
- In writing or speaking give to every person his due title according to his degree and the custom of the place.
- Be no flatterer, neither play with anyone that delights not to be played with.
- Read no letters, books, or papers in company; but when there is a necessity for doing it, you must ask leave.
- Come not near the books or writings of anyone so as to read them unasked; also look not nigh when another is writing a letter.
- Let your countenance be pleasant, but in serious matters somewhat grave.
- In your apparel be modest, and endeavor to accommodate nature rather than procure admiration.
- Keep the fashion of your equals, such as are civil and orderly with respect to the time and place.
- Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation, for it is better to be alone than in bad company.
- Let your conversation be without malice or envy, for it is a sign of commendable nature; and in all causes of passion admit reason to govern.
- Undertake not to teach your equal in the art he himself professes; it savors of arrogancy.
- When a man does all he can, though it succeeds not well, blame not him that did it.
- Wherein you reprove another be unblamable yourself, for example is more prevalent than precept.
- Use no reproachful language against anyone, neither curses nor revilings. Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of anyone.
- Every action in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those present.
- In the presence of others sing not to yourself with a humming voice, nor drum with your fingers or feet.
- Speak not when others speak, sit not when others stand, and walk not when others stop.
- Turn not your back to others, especially in speaking; jog not the table or desk on which another reads or writes; lean not on anyone.
- Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgment to others with modesty.
- When in company, put not your hands to any part of the body not usually discovered.
- Show nothing to your friend that may affright him.
