Civility

I have complained in prior posts about the lack of civility in our lives and especially our politics. I have also spent some effort extoling the virtues of our sixteenth President Mr. Lincoln. Since today is President's Day and we celebrate the lives and accomplishments of Mr. Lincoln and our first President Mr. Washington I felt it appropriate to look at some of what made George such a figure. When George was sixteen, an age when most of us fellas are trying to figure out how to get in the pretty girl's lacey panties, he was copying out by hand 110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation. Sorry to disappoint fellas but in my reading of the list it doesn't appear his aim was to get into Martha's knickers. It is not an 18th century guide to how to get laid. I will not lay out the entire list for you but do encourage you to take a few minutes to Google the list and read all 110 rules. His rules are in bold, my commentary is not.

1. Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.
So George is off to a good start. Treat everyone with respect!

3. Show Nothing to your Friend that may affright him.
It is an admonition to be considerate of others and not embarrass them.

24. Do not laugh too loud or too much at any Public Spectacle.
Don't draw attention to yourself. Seems like that is our national plague at the time. Some want attention all the time and will do anything to anyone to get it. They violate rules 1, 3 and 24 all the time.

35. Let your discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive.
Be clear and concise when you speak. Again a problem in politics and life where we try to solve problems by talking them to death.

40. Strive not with your Superiors in argument, but always Submit your Judgment to others with Modesty.
Maybe a good translation would be to act with humility and not argue with your superiors.

44. When a man does all he can though it Succeeds not well blame not him that did it.
When someone tries their best and fails do not criticize him.

45. Being to advise or reprehend any one, consider whether it ought to be in public or in Private; presently, or at Some other time in what terms to do it & in reproving Shown no Sign of Cholar but do it with all Sweetness and Mildness.
When you give advice or criticism consider if it should be given in public or private and in any case be gentle.

48. Wherein you reprove Another be unblameable yourself; for example is more prevalent than Precepts.
If you criticize someone for doing something be sure you are not doing the same thing. Actions speak louder than words.

50. Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the desparagement of any.
Do not be quick to believe bad reports about others.

51. Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'is better to be alone than in bad company.

58. Let your Conversation be without Malice or Envy, for 'is a Sign of a Tractable and Commendable Nature: And in all Causes of Passion admit reason to Govern.
Let reason govern your actions. Think man THINK!

82. Undertake not what you cannot Perform but be Careful to keep your  Promise.
Don't start what you cannot finish and keep your promises.

89. Speak not Evil of the absent for it is unjust.
Don't talk badly of others behind their backs.

110. Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.
Don't become jaded, cynical or calloused.

Wise words Mr. Washington. Thank you for that and all you did. Perhaps someday we will once again learn to be civil. Solve our problems through cooperative effort. Look for the truth rather than bend facts to fit the answer we want. Respect. Treating others as we would want to be treated.

I can dream. It could happen. If it doesn't please don't wake me.