1700’s – Taught to George Washington & our Founding Fathers
Associate yourself with persons of good character. It is better to be alone than in bad company.
Think before you speak.
Accept corrections thankfully.
Be not obstinate in supporting your own opinion.
Treat sublime matters seriously.
Do not repeat news if you know not the truth thereof.
Speak not evil of the absent.
When you speak of God or His attributes, let it be seriously and with reverence.
Honor and obey your natural parents, even though they be poor.
Let your recreations be manful, not sinful.
Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called the conscience.
Do not hum or drum with your hands or feet when in company.
Do not reprove or correct another in anger.
Do not curse or revile anyone.
Let your conversation be without malice or envy.
Yield the place in front of the fire to the latest comer.
Jog not the desk on which another reads or writes.
Do not read the writing or books of another unless asked to do so.
Speak not injurious words either in jest or in earnest.
Scoff at none although they give occasion.
In disputes, give liberty to each one to present his opinion.
Be attentive when others speak.
If you cough, sneeze, sigh or yawn, do it privately.
Always submit your judgments to others with modesty.
Do not undertake to teach your equal in an art in which he is qualified.
Be modest in your apparel; do not play the peacock.
Do not fuss with your clothing in public or constantly check your shoes, stockings, ornaments, etc.
A man should not preen himself about his achievements, his wit, his Virtue, and much less about his wealth.
Laugh not loudly nor at all without occasion.
Rules that Advised Compassion.
Kindliness was inherent in many of the tenets which counseled consideration for others, but there were a few which aimed directly at the inculcation of this virtue.
When a man does the best he can, yet succeeds not, do not blame him.
Do not express joy before one who is sick or in pain.
Show not yourself glad another’s misfortune.
Reproach none for the infirmities of nature.
Show respect to persons of distinction, to judges, and ministers.
If anyone comes to speak to you while you are sitting, stand up, even though you may consider him to be your inferior.
If you meet a person who is your elder, yield to him the path or right of way.
In writing of speaking, always give to every person his due title.
When your superiors are talking, do not speak or laugh.
When your elders are talking, speak not until you are asked a question. Then, stand up and answer in a few words.
Do not laugh too loud or too much in company.
Let your discourse with men of business be short and comprehensive.
Kill no vermin as flies, lice, ticks, etc in the sight of others.
Do not laugh at your own witticisms.
Show a good example, particularly before the less experienced.
Do not give advice unless you are asked.
Be not curious to know the affairs of others.
Eat not in the streets, nor in the House out of Season.
Do not contradict at every turn the statements which others make.
Point not with thy finger.
Sit quietly at the table and sit straightly.
Do not eat greedily nor put too much food in the mouth.
Do not lean on the table. Eat not with thy knife.
Do not find fault with the food presented before you
Guests should be served first.
Cast not anything under the table. Talk not with food in thy mouth.
Good Humour makes one dish of meat a feast.
Take no salt with your knife greasy. If you soak bread in the sauce, let it be no more than you can put in your mouth at that time. Blow not your broth at the table, stay til it cools.
Children were certainly guided meticulously! This is taken from The Making of George Washington, by William H. Wilbur. Published by Caxton Printers, Caldwell, Idaho, 83605; 1970 and 1973. pages 111-118