I Stole This From Another Blog

I found this while reading around and I was impressed. It is reminiscent of Benjamin Franklin's writing. This is why I believe, although the social rules were completely different, the Men of the 1700's were definitely better educated. They appreciated books and good writing skills. I recently sought out and read "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin and Other Writings". Did you know, among other accomplishments, Franklin was directly responsible for founding the first Library in the U.S. and the first newspaper?

George Washington, sometime before the age of 16, transcribed "Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour In Company and Conversation".
(Original errors in numbering have been corrected; original spelling is unchanged.)

1st Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.
3d Shew Nothing to your Freind that may affright him.
14th 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.
19th let your Countenance be pleasant but in Serious Matters Somewhat grave.
20th The Gestures of the Body must be Suited to the discourse you are upon.
21st: Reproach none for the Infirmaties of Nature, nor Delight to Put them that have in mind thereof.
22d Shew not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy.
24th Do not laugh too loud or too much at any Publick Spectacle.
25th Superfluous Complements and all Affectation of Ceremonie are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be Neglected.
39th In writing or Speaking, give to every Person his due Title According to his Degree & the Custom of the Place.
43d Do not express Joy before one sick or in pain for that contrary Passion will aggravate his Misery.
44th When a man does all he can though it Succeeds not well blame not him that did it.
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.
49th Use no Reproachfull Language against any one neither Curse nor Revile.
56th Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad Company.
65th Speak not injurious Words neither in Jest nor Earnest Scoff at none although they give Occasion.
66th Be not forward but friendly and Courteous; the first to Salute hear and answer & be not Pensive when it's a time to Converse.
67th Detract not from others neither be excessive in Commanding.
73d Think before you Speak pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your Words too hastily but orderly & distinctly.
79th 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.
80th Be not Tedious in Discourse or in reading unless you find the Company pleased therewith.
81st Be not Curious to Know the Affairs of Others neither approach those that Speak in Private.
82d undertake not what you cannot perform but be carefull to keep your promise.
83d when you deliver a matter do it without passion & with discretion, however mean the person be you do it too.
89th Speak not Evil of the absent for it is unjust.
110th Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire Called Conscience.
Source: History.org

And it was very hard not to fix the spelling.

MsAmber