George Washington's Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour-
When George Washington (the first president of the United States)
was 14, he wrote down 110 rules titled "Rules of Civility &
Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation." A series of rules
taken from an English translation of a French book intended to
polish ones manners. Here are the first five. Eventually, you'll
get all of them, lucky you.
1st - Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of
respect to those that are present.
2nd - When in company, put not your hands to any part of the
body, not usually discovered.
3rd - Show nothing to your friend that may affright him.
4th - In the presence of others sing not to yourself with a
humming noise, nor drum with your fingers or feet.
5th - 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.
6th - Sleep not when others speak, sit not when others stand,
speak not when you should hold your peace, walk not when
others stop.
7th - Put not off your clothes in the presence of others, nor go
out your chamber half dressed.
8th - At play and at fire it is good manners to give place to the
last comer, and affect not to speak louder than the
ordinary.
9th - Spit not in the fire, not 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.
10th - When you sit down, keep your feet firm and even, without
putting one on the other or crossing them.
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