The Rules of Civility

Youth’s Behavior or Decency in Conversation Amongst Men by Francis Hawkins (Washington State University) George Washington wrote out a copy of the 110 Rules of Civility in his school book when he was about 14-years old.

Vote for your favorite or comment on which Rule you think is still relevant today.

These maxims originated in the late sixteenth century in France and were popularly circulated during Washington's time. This exercise, now regarded as a formative influence in the development of his character, included guidelines for behavior in pleasant company, appropriate actions in formal situations, and general courtesies.

Explore the rules as Washington copied them in the 18th century.

Rule No. 101

Rince not your Mouth in the Presence of Others.

It is out of use to call upon the Company often to Eat nor need you Drink to others every Time you Drink.

In Company of your Betters be no[t longer in eating] than they are lay not your Arm but o[nly your hand upon the table].

It belongs to the Chiefest in Company to unfold his Napkin and fall to Meat first, But he ought then to Begin in time & to Dispatch [w]ith Dexterity that the Slowest may have time allowed him.

Be not Angry at Table whatever happens & if you have reason to be so, shew it not but on a Chearfull Countenance especially if there be Strangers for Good Humour makes one Dish of Meat a Feas[t].

Set not yourself at the upper of the Table but if it Be your Due or that the Master of the house will have it So, Contend not, least you Should Trouble the Company.

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The Rules of Civility

Rule No. 101

Rince not your Mouth in the Presence of Others.

Rule No. 102

It is out of use to call upon the Company often to Eat nor need you Drink to others every Time you Drink.

Rule No. 103

In Company of your Betters be no[t longer in eating] than they are lay not your Arm but o[nly your hand upon the table].

Rule No. 104

It belongs to the Chiefest in Company to unfold his Napkin and fall to Meat first, But he ought then to Begin in time & to Dispatch [w]ith Dexterity that the Slowest may have time allowed him.

Rule No. 105

Be not Angry at Table whatever happens & if you have reason to be so, shew it not but on a Chearfull Countenance especially if there be Strangers for Good Humour makes one Dish of Meat a Feas[t].

Rule No. 106

Set not yourself at the upper of the Table but if it Be your Due or that the Master of the house will have it So, Contend not, least you Should Trouble the Company.

Rule No. 107

If others talk at Table be attentive but talk not with Meat in your Mouth.

Rule No. 108

When you Speak of God or his Atributes, let it be Seriously & [with] Reverence. Honour & Obey your Natural Parents altho they be Poor.

Rule No. 109

Let your Recreations be Manfull not Sinfull.

Rule No. 110

Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Ce[les]tial fire Called Conscience.