George's Rules
We celebrate Presidents Day this year on Feb. 15. George Washington was born on Feb. 22, 1732, in Virginia. Presidents Day honors all American presidents. It is also near Abraham Lincoln’s birthday (Feb. 12).
George Washington had several brothers and sisters. George was very close to his older half-brother, Lawrence, who helped him with his studies and taught him how to get along socially.
George did well in math. His father died when George was 11 years old, so he helped his mother run their family farm.
‘George’s Rules’
George went to school only until he was about 14 or 15 years old. He was probably asked by his mother or a teacher to copy some “rules of behavior.”
These rules were originally written by Jesuits, or members of a group of Roman Catholics, in the late 1500s. Over the years many people have given George credit for the rules, but he was not the author.
These are some of the 110 “Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.”
Some of the rules sound funny to us; the style of writing was different in George’s time. But most of them relate to basic good manners and respect for others.
What’s civility?
Civility is courtesy, or politeness. We have added a short explanation for each rule. Try to figure out what the rules mean before reading the explanation.
1. Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.
Treat other people with respect.
4. In the presence of others, sing not to yourself with a humming noise, nor drum with your fingers or feet.
Don’t make annoying noises when others are trying to talk and listen.
15. Keep your nails clean and short, also your hands and teeth clean, yet without showing any great concern for them.
Practice good hygiene, but don’t make a big deal out of it. 54. Play not the peacock, looking everywhere about you, to see if you be well decked, if your shoes fit well, if your stockings sit neatly, and clothes handsomely.
Don’t check yourself out in mirrors all the time, seeing how you look. 71. 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.
Don’t stare at or ask about marks on other people, such as warts or freckles. And don’t tell your friend’s secrets to others. 76. 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.
Don’t point at people while you talk to them, and don’t get too close.
96. It’s unbecoming to stoop much to one’s meat. Keep your fingers clean, and when foul wipe them on a corner of your table napkin.
Eat politely. Sit up straight, and use your napkin to wipe your hands.
100. 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.
Don’t use objects to pick food out of your teeth. Use a toothpick if you must.