GEORGE WASHINGTON'S "CHARACTER",
Which helped give us our
AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE
Welcome !
"Every action done in
company,
ought to be with some sign of respect, to those that are
present".
A
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE BEGINNINGS OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON'S "CHARACTER",
Which helped
give us our
AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE
Things which Help Build Character
TABLE
MANNERS
CLEANLINESS
SPEAKING
CONDUCT
PROTOCOL
At
Table Cleanliness
Speaking
Conduct Protocol
The 110 Rules of
Civility & Decent Behavior In Company & Conversation
written in the 1500's by a Jesuit and studied, copied and practiced by young George Washington throughout his active life.Nowadays, our love of freedom is often un-tempered with these civilities and responsibilities. I have added a few semi-colons and commas to George's quickly written notes, to help the reader.
REMEMBER . . .
Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present. [ rule 1 ]
When you Speak of God or His Attributes, let it be Seriously & with Reverence. Honour & Obey your Natural Parents altho they be poor. [ rule 108 ]
Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire Called Conscience. [ rule 110 ]
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You may study here to
"SHARPEN" YOUR TABLE MANNERS
and possibly become a better person ( smile ) !
Good table manners contributed to George Washington's
strong character.
His "talent" was in "meeting people" of all walks of life.
TOP ...
===========
He knew how to be CONSIDERATE at TABLE
and practice self-control.Set not yourself at the upper of the Table, but if it be your Due, or that the Master-of-the-house will have it So; Contend not, least you Should Trouble the Company. [ rule 106 ]
Be not Angry at Table whatever happens & if you have reason to be so, shew it not, put on a Cheerful Countenance especially if there be Strangers for Good Humour makes one Dish of Meat a Feast. [ rule 105 ]
It belongs to the Chiefest in Company to unfold his Napkin and fall to Meat first, But he ought then to Begin in time & to Dispatch with Dexterity that the Slowest may have time allowed him. [ rule 104 ]
Entertaining any one at table, it is decent to present him with meat; Undertake not to help others undesired by your Master. [ rule 93 ]
If others talk at Table be attentive, but talk not with Meat in your Mouth.
[ rule 107 ]Be not tedious in Discourse, make not many Digressions, nor repeat often the Same manner of Discourse. [ rule 88 ]
Be not Tedious in Discourse or in reading, unless you find the Company pleased therewith. [ rule 80 ]
Cleanse not your teeth with the Table Cloth, Napkin, Fork or Knife, but if Others do it, let it be done with a Pick Tooth. [ rule 100 ]
Rince not your Mouth in the Presence of Others. [ rule 101 ]
Drink not nor talk with your mouth full, neither Gaze about you, while you are Drinking. [ rule 98 ]
Drink not too leisurly nor yet too hastily. Before and after Drinking wipe your Lips; breath not then or Ever with too great a Noise, for it's uncivil.
[ rule 99 ]It 's unbecoming to Stoop much to ones Meat; Keep your Fingers clean & when foul wipe them on a Corner of your Napkin. [ rule 96 ]
Put not another bit into your Mouth 'til the former be Swallowed; let not your Morsels be too big for the Gowls.
[ rule 97 ]Put not your meat to your Mouth with your Knife in your hand; neither spit forth the Stones of any fruit Pye upon a Dish nor Cast anything under the table. [ rule 95 ]
If you Soak bread in the Sauce let it be no more than what you put in your Mouth at a time, and blow not your broth at Table, but Stay till Cools of it Self. [ rule 94 ]
Take no Salt or cut Bread with your Knife Greasy. [ rule 92 ]
Make no Shew of taking great Delight in your Victuals; Feed not with Greediness; cut your Bread with a Knife; lean not on the Table, neither find fault with what you Eat. [ rule 91 ]
In Company of your Bettors, be not longer in eating than they are; lay not your Arm, but only your hand upon the table. [ rule 103 ]
It is out of use to call upon the Company often to Eat; nor need you Drink to others every Time you Drink. [ rule 102 ]
Eat not in the Streets, nor in your House, out of Season.
[ rule 55 ]Being Set at meat, Scratch not, neither Spit, Cough or blow your Nose, except there's a Necessity for it. [ rule 90 ]
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You may study here to
"SHINE" YOUR CLEANLINESS
and possibly become a better person,
(not that you are not already near perfect) ! TOP ...CLEANLINESS . . .
Keep your Nails clean and Short, also your Hands and Teeth Clean, yet without shewing any great Concern for them. [ rule 15 ]
Kill no Vermin as Fleas, lice, ticks, etc. in the Sight of others; if you see any filth or thick spittle, put your foot Dexteriously upon it; if it be upon the Cloths of your Companions; Put it off privately, and if it be upon your own Cloths, return Thanks to him who puts it off.
[ rule 13 ]Shift not yourself in the Sight of others - nor Gnaw your nails. [ rule 11 ]
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. [ rule 9 ]
Wear not your Cloths, foul, unript or Dusty, but See they be Brush'd once every day at least, and take head that you approach not to any uncleaness.
[ rule 51 ]In your Apparel be Modest and endeavor to accomodate 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. [ rule 52 ]
Play not the Peacock, looking every where about you, to See if you be well Deck'd, if your Shoes fit well, if your Stockings Sit neatly, and Cloths handsomely.
[ rule 54 ]Run not in the Streets, neither go too slowly nor with Mouth open, go not Shaking your Arms, kick not the earth with your feet, go not upon the Toes, nor in a Dancing fashion. [ rule 53 ]
===========
You may study here :
"SPEAKING" with RESPECT
for OTHERS and SELF
& possibly ( probably ) become a better person ! TOP ...===========
Washington's "long suit" was in "speaking with people" from all walks of life.
"SPEAKING" with RESPECT
Think before you Speak; pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your Words too hastily, but orderly & distinctly. [ rule 73 ]
While you are talking, Point not with your Finger at him of Whom you Discourse, nor Approach too near him to whom you talk, especially to his face. [ rule 76 ]
When Another Speaks be attentive your Self, and disturb not the Audience if any hesitate in his Words help him not, nor Prompt him without desired; Interrupt him not, nor Answer him till his Speech be ended. [ rule 74 ]
In the midst of discourse, ask not of what one treateth, but if you Perceive any Stop, because of your coming you may well entreat him gently to Proceed. If a Person of Quality comes in while your Conversing, it's handsome to Repeat what was said before. [ rule 75 ]
Treat with men at fit Times about Business, & Whisper not in the Company of Others. [ rule 77]
Make no Comparisons, and if any of the Company be Commended for any brave act of Vertue, commend not another for the Same.
[ rule 78 ]Be not apt to relate News, if you know not the truth thereof. In Discoursing of things you Have heard, Name not your Author; always a secret discover not. [ rule 79 ]
Be not Curious to Know the Affairs of Others, neither approach those that Speak in Private. [ rule 81 ]
Undertake not what you cannot Perform, but be Carefull to keep your Promise. [ rule 82 ]
When you deliver a matter, do it without Passion & with Discretion; however, mean your Person be you do it, too. [ rule 83 ]
When your Superiours talk to any Body, hearken not, neither Speak nor Laugh. [ rule 84 ]
In Company of these of Higher Quality than yourself, Speak not till you ask'd a Question, then Stand upright, put of' your Hat & Answer in few words. [ rule 85 ]
Let the carriage be such as becomes a Man Grave Settled and attentive to that which is spoken. Contradict not at every turn what others Say. [ rule 87 ]
In disputes, be not So Desireous to Overcome as not to give Liberty to each one to deliver his Opinion and Submit to your Judgement of your Major Part, especially if they are Judges of the Dispute. [ rule 86 ]
Speak not in an unknown Tongue in Company, but in your own Language and that as those of Quality do, and not as y'e Vulgar; Sublime matters, treat Seriously. [ rule 72 ]
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. [ rule 58 ]
Never express anything unbecoming, nor Act against your Rules -Moral- before your inferiours. [ rule 59 ]
Utter not base and frivilous things amongst grave and Learn'd Men nor very Difficult Questions or Subjects, among the Ignorant, or things hard to be believed; Stuff not your Discourse with Sentences amongst your betters nor Equals. [ rule 61 ]
Be not immodest in urging your Friends to Discover a Secret. [ rule 60 ]
Use no Reproachfull Language against any one; neither Curse nor Revile. [ rule 49 ]
Speak not of doleful Things in a Time of Mirth or at the Table; Speak not of Melancholy Things as Death and Wounds, and if others Mention them Change, if you can, the Discourse; tell not your dreams, but to your intimate Friend. [ rule 62 ]
Break not a Jest where none takes pleasure in mirth; Laugh not aloud, nor at all without Occasion; deride no man's Misfortune, tho' there seem to be Some cause. [ rule 64 ]
Speak not injurious Words neither in Jest nor Earnest; Scoff at none although they give Occasion. [ rule 65 ]
Detract not from others, neither be excessive in Commanding. [ rule 67 ]
Reprehend not the imperfections of others for that belongs to Parents, Masters and Superiours. [ rule 70 ]
If two contend together, take not the part of either unconstrained; and be not obstinate in your own Opinion, in Things indiferent be of the Major Side.
[ rule 69 ]Be not Forward but friendly and Courteous; the first to Salute, hear and answer & be not Pensive, when it's a time to Converse.
[ rule 66 ]Go not thither, where you know not, whether you Shall be Welcome or not. Give not Advice without being Ask'd & when desired, do it briefly. [ rule 68 ]
A man ought not to value himself of his Atchievements, or rare Qualities of wit; much less of his riches, Virtue or Kindred. [ rule 63 ]
Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of Others, and ask not how they came. What you may Speak in Secret to your Friend, deliver not before others. [ rule 71 ]
Speak not Evil of the absent for it is unjust. [ rule 89 ]
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You may study here to
"CONDUCT" for RESPECT of SELF and OTHERS
and possibly become a better person (well, maybe) !
TOP ...===========
Washington's "long coat" was "meeting people"
from all walks of life."CONDUCT" . . .
Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company. [ rule 56 ]
Be not hasty to believe flying Reports to the Disparagement of any. [ rule 50 ]
Wherein you reprove Another be unblameable yourself; for example is more prevalent than Precepts. [ rule 48 ]
Mock not nor Jest at anything of Importance; break no Jest that are Sharp Biting, and if you Deliver anything witty and Pleasant, abstain from Laughing thereat yourself. [rule 47 ]
Take all Admonitions thankfully in what Time or Place Soever given, but afterwards not being culpable, take a Time & Place convenient to let him know it that gave them. [ rule 46 ]
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. [ rule 45 ]
Strive not with your Superiers in argument, but always Submit your Judgement to others with Modesty. [ rule 40 ]
Undertake not to Teach your equal in the art himself Proffesses; it Savours of arrogancy. [ rule 41 ]
Let your Countenance be pleasant, but in Serious Matters Somewhat Grave. [ rule 19 ] George was often thought of as being slightly grave in public, but pleasant with guests and associates in private.
The Gestures of the Body must be Suited to the discourse you are upon. [ rule 20 ]
Shake not the head, Feet, or Legs; rowl not the Eys; 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. [ rule 12 ]
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. [ rule 16 ]
Be no Flatterer; neither Play with any that delights not to be Play'd Withal. [ rule 17 ]
Sleep not when others speak; Sit not when others stand; Speak not when you Should hold your Peace; Walk not on when others Stop. [rule 6 ]
If You Cough, Sneeze, Sigh, or Yawn, do it not Loud, but Privately; and Speak not in your Yawning, but put Your hankercheif or Hand before your face and turn aside.
[ rule 5 ]Shew Nothing to your Friend that may affright him.
[ rule 3 ]When in Company, put not your Hands to any Part of the Body, not usually Discovered. [ rule 2 ]
Put not off your Cloths in the Presence of others, nor go out your Chamber half Drest. [ rule 7 ]
In the Presence of Others Sing not to yourself with a humming Noise, nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet.
[ rule 4 ]When you Sit down, Keep your Feet firm and Even, without putting one on the other or Crossing them.
[ rule 10 ]Turn not your Back to others especially in Speaking; Jog not the Table or Desk on which Another reads or writes; lean not upon any one. [ rule 14 ]
Read no Letters, Books or Papers in Company; when there is a Necessity for the doing of it; you must ask leave; come not near the Books or Writings of Another, so as to read them, unless desired; or give your opinion of them unask'd; also, look not nigh when another is writing a Letter. [ rule 18 ]
In visiting the sick, do not Presently play the Physician, if you be not Knowing therin. [ rule 38 ]
Do not express Joy before one sick or in pain, for that contrary Passion will aggravate his Misery. [ rule 43 ]
Shew not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy. [ rule 22 ]
When you see a Crime punished, you may be inwardly Pleased; but always shew Pity to the Suffering Offender.
[ rule 23 ]Do not laugh too loud or too much at any Publick Spectacle. [ rule 24 ]
When a man does all that he can, though it Succeeds not well, blame not him that did it. [ rule 44 ]
Reproach none for the Infirmities of Nature, nor Delight to Put them that have in mind thereof. [ rule 21 ]
Superflous Complements and all Affectation of Ceremonie are to be avoided; yet, where due they are not to be Neglected. [ rule 25 ]
In Play and at Fire it is Good manners to Give Place to the last Commer, and affect not to Speak Louder than Ordinary. [ rule 8 ]
Let your Recreations be Manfull not Sinfull. [ rule 109 ]
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You may study here to
"PROTOCOL" for RESPECT of SELF and OTHERS
and possibly become a better person (learn to bow?) !TOP ...
===========
Washington's focus on good behavior was his blessing, for he moved next door to the powerful and educated family of Lord Thomas Fairfax, who hired George to survey his many distant land holdings. Fairfax liked the manners and morals of George Washington, except his quick temper.
"POMP and PROTOCOL"
may now be needed in the royal courts or in lands of powerful potentates, and some say in the streets of Japan, but bowing to "powerful and polished people" is less expected and enforced today. We, hopefully, now try to be considerate to all people of all walks of life.An afterthought, in salute to the Japanese --- replacement of the hand-shake with a pleasant small bow or hand to the shoulder, could help defeat the passing of the common-cold (cough, cough) ! It would help health-care programs and tax-budgets worldwide !
That was "Tongue-in-cheek", but, on second afterthought, possibly a good idea !
"PROTOCOL"
In writing or Speaking, give to every Person his due Title According to his Degree & the Custom of the Place.
[ rule 39 ]Let thy ceremonies in Courtesie be proper to the Dignity of his place with whom thou coversest for it is absurd to act ye same with a Clown and a Prince. [ rule 42 ]
In walking, the highest Place in most Countrys seem to be on the right hand; therefore, Place yourself on the left of him whom you desire to Honour. But if three walk together, the middest Place is the most Honourable. The wall is usually given to the most worthy if two walk together. [ rule 30 ]
In walking up and Down in a House, only with One in Company, if he be Greater than yourself, at the first give him the Right hand and Stop not til he does, and be not the first that turns, and when you do turn, let it be with your face towards him; if he be a Man of Great Quality, walk with him Cheek by Joul, but somewhat behind him; but yet in Such a Manner that he may easily Speak to you. [ rule 57 ]
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. [ rule 29 ]
If any one come to Speak to you while you are Sitting, Stand up tho he be your Inferior, and when you Present Seats, let it be to every one according to his Degree.
[ rule 28 ]If anyone Surpasses others, either in age, Estate, or Merit, yet would give Place to a meaner than himself in his own lodging or elsewhere, the one ought not to expect it. So, he in the other part should not use much earnestness nor offer it above once or twice. [ rule 31 ]
To one that is your equal, or not much inferior, you are to give the cheif Place in your Lodging, and he to who'tis offered ought at the first to refuse it, but at the Second to accept through not without acknowledging his unworthiness. [ rule 32 ]
They that are in Dignity or in office have in all places Preceedency, but whilst they are Young, they ought to respect those that are their equals in Birth or other Qualities, though they have no Publick charge. [ rule 33 ]
It is good Manners to prefer them to whom we Speak before ourselves, especially if they be above us, with whom in no Sort we ought to begin. [ rule 34 ]
Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive. [ rule 35 ]
In Speaking to men of Quality, do not lean nor Look them full in the Face, nor approach to near them, at le'st Keep a full Pace from them. [ rule 37 ]
Artificers & Persons of low Degree ought not to use many ceremonies to Lords, or Others of high Degree, but Respect and highly Honour them; and those of high Degree ought to treat them with affibility and Courtesie, without Arrogancy. [ rule 36 ]
In Pulling off your Hat to Persons of Distinction, as Nobelmen, Justices, Churchmen, etc. make a Reverence, bowing more or less according to the Custom of the Better Bred, and Quality of the Person. Amoungst your equals expect not always that they Should begin with you first, but to Pull off the Hat when there is no need is Affectation; in the Manner of Saluting and resaluting in words, keep to the most usual custom. [ rule 26 ]
Tis ill manners to bid one more eminent than yourself to be covered as well as not to do it to whom it's due. Likewise he that makes too much haste to Put on his hat, does not well; yet, he ought to Put it on at the first, or at most the Second time of being ask'd; now what is herein Spoken, of Qualification in behaviour in Saluting, ought also to be observed in taking of Place, and Sitting down for ceremonies without bounds in troublesome.[ rule 27 ]
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===========
"MODERN-DAY" . . . LIFE'S LITTLE INSTRUCTIONS
Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
Sing in the shower.
Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
Watch a sunrise at least once a year.
Never refuse homemade brownies.
Strive for excellence, not perfection.
Plant a tree on your birthday.
Learn 3 clean jokes.
Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full.
Compliment 3 people every day.
Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
Leave everything a little better than you found it.
Leave the toilet seat in the down position.
Keep it simple.
Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures.
Floss your teeth.
Ask for a raise when you think you've earned it (good luck)!
Over-tip breakfast waitresses.
Be forgiving of yourself and others.
Say, "Thank you" a lot.
Say, "Please" a lot.
Avoid negative people.
Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yards.
Wear polished shoes.
Remember other people's birthdays.
Commit yourself to constant improvement.
Carry jumper cables in your "truck" ("boot" in Britain).
Have a firm handshake (but do not crush hands).
Send (lots?) "select" Valentine cards.
Sign them, "Someone who thinks you're terrific."
Look people in the eye, but do not stare.
Be the first to say hello or "hi"!
Use the good silver; be satisfied with stainless steel.
Return all things you borrow.
Make new friends, but cherish the old ones.
Keep a few secrets.
Sing in a choir.
Plant flowers every spring.
Have a dog. <Or cat :)>
Always accept an outstretched hand.
Stop blaming others.
Take responsibility for every area of your life.
Wave at kids on school busses.
Be there when people need you.
Feed a stranger's expired parking meter.
Don't expect life to be fair.
Never underestimate the power of love.
Drink champagne for no reason at all, unless you detest it.
Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation.
Don't be afraid to say, "I made a mistake."
Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know."
Compliment even small improvements.
Keep your promises no matter what.
Marry for love.
Rekindle old friendships.
Count your blessings.
Call your mother, or pray for her with love!by H. Jackson Brown Jr. with slight modifications by TJC
' tis well !
Return to
TABLE
MANNERS
CLEANLINESS
SPEAKING
CONDUCT
PROTOCOL
At
Table Cleanliness
Speaking
Conduct Protocol
TOP ...
Thank You For
Visiting This Site !
YOUR MANNERS HAVE IMPROVED !
===========
Acknowledgements
Much praise goes to ==>
GEORGE WASHINGTON
who saved his many records.
Click ==>For Acknowledgements and Thanks!
(c)
Copyrighted 1998-August, 2007
-etc., by Tom
j. Collins, for this site and the elements.
He does not endorse or control third party Web Site(s) contents. Images,
other than by T. Collins, are the (c) of their representative
owners. Permission from T. Collins is required via the site's guest book
for links with this site or elements thereof, except access by popular and
public Search Engines.
This
page was l a s t u p d a t e d by Morristown
. org and
Revwar . org
God
Bless America
T. Collins in NJ, USA on 08/05/07 10:32 AM
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= * = * =
In God We Trust