George Washington did not wake up a gentleman. As a young man he copied 110 Rules of Civility and trained those habits until they became the character that led an army and a nation. In this episode we walk through more than twenty of those maxims and hold them up to modern life: respect in public, no gloating when an enemy falls, private correction, flying reports, the company you keep, keeping your word, reverence, and that little spark of celestial fire called conscience. Inspired in part by The Fat Electrician’s Washington stories, this is the old code still worth living.
Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.
Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another, though he were your enemy.
Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgment to others with modesty.
Being to advise or reprehend anyone, consider whether it ought to be in public or in private; do it with sweetness and mildness, and show no sign of choler.
Wherein you reprove another, be unblameable yourself; for example is more prevalent than precepts.
Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any.
Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.
Let your conversation be without malice or envy; and in all causes of passion, admit reason to govern.
A man ought not to value himself of his achievements or rare qualities of wit, much less of his riches, virtue, or kindred.
Break not a jest where none take pleasure in mirth; deride no man’s misfortune, though there seem to be some cause.
Be not forward, but friendly and courteous; the first to salute, hear, and answer.
If two contend together, take not the part of either unconstrained; be not obstinate in your own opinion; in things indifferent, be of the major side.
When another speaks, be attentive yourself; interrupt him not, nor answer him till his speech be ended.
Be not apt to relate news if you know not the truth thereof.
Undertake not what you cannot perform, but be careful to keep your promise.
In company of those of higher quality than yourself, speak not till you are asked a question; stand upright, put off your hat, and answer in few words.
In disputes, be not so desirous to overcome as not to give liberty to each one to deliver his opinion.
Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.
When you speak of God or His attributes, let it be seriously and with reverence. Honor and obey your natural parents, although they be poor.
Let your recreations be manful, not sinful.
Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.
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