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. 61

Utter not base and frivilous things amongst grave and Learn'd Men nor very Difficult Questians or Subjects, among the Ignorant or things hard to be believed, Stuff not your Discourse with Sentences amongst your Betters nor Equals.

Speak not of doleful Things in a Time of Mirth or at the Table; Speak not of Melancholy Things as Death and Wounds, and if others Mention them Change if you can the Discourse tell not your Dreams, but to your intimate Friend.

A Man o[ug]ht not to value himself of his Atchievements, or rare Qua[lities of wit; much less of his rich]es Virtue or Kindred.

Break not a Jest where none take pleasure in mirth Laugh not aloud, nor at all without Occasion, deride no mans Misfortune, tho' there Seem to be Some cause.

Speak not injurious Words neither in Jest nor Earnest Scoff at none although they give Occasion.

Be not froward but friendly and Courteous; the first to Salute hear and answer & be not Pensive when it's a time to Converse.

Detract not from others neither be excessive in Commanding.

Go not thither, where you know not, whether you Shall be Welcome or not. Give not Advice with[out] being Ask'd & when desired [d]o it briefly.

If two contend together take not the part of either unconstrain[ed]; and be not obstinate in your own Opinion, in Things indiferent be of the Major Side.

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The Rules of Civility

Rule No. 61

Utter not base and frivilous things amongst grave and Learn'd Men nor very Difficult Questians or Subjects, among the Ignorant or things hard to be believed, Stuff not your Discourse with Sentences amongst your Betters nor Equals.

Rule No. 62

Speak not of doleful Things in a Time of Mirth or at the Table; Speak not of Melancholy Things as Death and Wounds, and if others Mention them Change if you can the Discourse tell not your Dreams, but to your intimate Friend.

Rule No. 63

A Man o[ug]ht not to value himself of his Atchievements, or rare Qua[lities of wit; much less of his rich]es Virtue or Kindred.

Rule No. 64

Break not a Jest where none take pleasure in mirth Laugh not aloud, nor at all without Occasion, deride no mans Misfortune, tho' there Seem to be Some cause.

Rule No. 65

Speak not injurious Words neither in Jest nor Earnest Scoff at none although they give Occasion.

Rule No. 66

Be not froward but friendly and Courteous; the first to Salute hear and answer & be not Pensive when it's a time to Converse.

Rule No. 67

Detract not from others neither be excessive in Commanding.

Rule No. 68

Go not thither, where you know not, whether you Shall be Welcome or not. Give not Advice with[out] being Ask'd & when desired [d]o it briefly.

Rule No. 69

If two contend together take not the part of either unconstrain[ed]; and be not obstinate in your own Opinion, in Things indiferent be of the Major Side.

Rule No. 70

Reprehend not the imperfections of others for that belong[s] to Parents Masters and Superiours.