George Washingtons Manners

[CynanMachae]

Has anyone read the book "George Washingtons rules of Civilty and decent behavior in company and conversation"? He wrote it and memorized it when he was 14 yrs. old. I'm at the Library now so I can't qoute any of the rules, but there are 110, I think, with some like:

"Put not off your clothes in the presence of others, nor go out of your chamber half-dressed."

And

"Keep your face and hands clean, as well as your fingernails short and clean, yet without showing too much interest for them."

It really makes you feel like your manners are zero.

I'll post some later...

[CynanMachae]

Oh, here's a thought... do a search!

Here's #'s 1-5

1: "every action done in company, ought to be done with some sign of respect, to those who are present."

2: "when in company, put not your hand to any part of the body, not usually discovered."

3: "Show nothing to your friend that may affright him."

4: "in the presence of others, sing not to yourself with a humming noise, nor drum with your fingers or feet."

5: "If you cough, sneeze, sigh, or yawn, do it not loud but privately; and speak not in your yawning, but put your handkerchief or hand before your face and turn aside."

[CynanMachae]

Here's #'s 6-10:

6: "Sleep not when others speak, sit not when others stand, speak not when you should hold you peace, walk not when others stop."

7: "Put not off your clothes in the presence of others, nor go out of your chamber half dressed."

8: "At play and at fire it is good manners to give place to the last commer, and affect not to speak louder than ordinary."

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."

10: "When you sit down, keep your feet firm and even, without putting one on the other or crossing them."

aren't these cool? have you already found one that you don't follow? There are still 100 to go.

[chrystalized]

wow i feel like a slob

[Daae]

Wow, I seriously doubt that I would be able to keep all those rules without going insane or something. But, society was stricter in the 18th century.

[Gwalchmai]

I dont know... I reading these and I'm going "yea... I do that... huh... didn't realize that... AM I A FREAK!?!?!"

[twyrch]

He'd never be elected President today... He wouldn't be politically correct and might offend someone with his ideas.

[CynanMachae]

Now THERE'S a cue for a conversation if I ever heard one...