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. 21

Reproach none for the Infirmaties of Nature, nor Delight to Put them that have in mind thereof.

Shew not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy.

When you see a Crime punished, you may be inwardly Pleased; but always shew Pity to the Suffering Offender.

Do not laugh too loud or too much at any Publick [Spectacle].

Superfluous Complements and all Affectation of Ceremonie are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be Neglected.

In Pulling off your Hat to Persons of Distinction, as Noblemen, Justices, Churchmen &c make a Reverence, bowing more or less according to the Custom of the Better Bred, and Quality of the Person. Amongst your equals expect not always that they Should begin with you first, but to Pull off the Hat when there is no need is Affectation, in the Manner of Saluting and resaluting in words keep to the most usual Custom.

Tis ill manners to bid one more eminent than yourself be covered as well as not to do it to whom it's due Likewise he that makes too much haste to Put on his hat does not well, yet he ought to Put it on at the first, or at most the Second time of being ask'd; now what is herein Spoken, of Qualification in behaviour in Saluting, ought also to be observed in taking of Place, and Sitting down for ceremonies without Bounds is troublesome.

If any one come to Speak to you while you are are Sitting Stand up tho he be your Inferiour, and when you Present Seats let it be to every one according to his Degree.

When you meet with one of Greater Quality than yourself, Stop, and retire especially if it be at a Door or any Straight place to give way for him to Pass.

In walking the highest Place in most Countrys Seems to be on the right hand therefore Place yourself on the left of him whom you desire to Honour: but if three walk together the mid[dest] Place is the most Honourable the wall is usually given to the most worthy if two walk together.

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The Rules of Civility

Rule No. 21

Reproach none for the Infirmaties of Nature, nor Delight to Put them that have in mind thereof.

Rule No. 22

Shew not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy.

Rule No. 23

When you see a Crime punished, you may be inwardly Pleased; but always shew Pity to the Suffering Offender.

Rule No. 24

Do not laugh too loud or too much at any Publick [Spectacle].

Rule No. 25

Superfluous Complements and all Affectation of Ceremonie are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be Neglected.

Rule No. 26

Rule No. 27

Rule No. 28

If any one come to Speak to you while you are are Sitting Stand up tho he be your Inferiour, and when you Present Seats let it be to every one according to his Degree.

Rule No. 29

When you meet with one of Greater Quality than yourself, Stop, and retire especially if it be at a Door or any Straight place to give way for him to Pass.

Rule No. 30

In walking the highest Place in most Countrys Seems to be on the right hand therefore Place yourself on the left of him whom you desire to Honour: but if three walk together the mid[dest] Place is the most Honourable the wall is usually given to the most worthy if two walk together.