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Words of wisdom: Bit off more than my mind could chew, Shower or suicide, what do I do? -- Julie Brown, "Will I Make it Through the Eighties?"

Introduction
When he was 14 years old, George Washington copied a list of 110 rules, translated from a book of French maxims, intended to guide decent behavior in society. These rules apply today, perhaps more than ever. Below are twenty-three selected rules that everyone should follow. They will help you be polite, dignified, and respectful in the presence of others.

This excerpt of twenty-three of those rules is taken from an Applewood Hardback Edition of George Washington's Rules, which is a wonderful addition to any bookshelf, but the complete list can also be found online.


1. Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.

6. Sleep not when others speak, sit not when others stand, speak not when you should hold your peace, walk not on when others stop.

8. At play and at fire it is good manners to give place to the last-comer, and affect not to speak louder than ordinary.

14. Turn not your back to others especially in speaking; jog not the table or desk on which another reads or writes; lean not upon any one.

15. Keep your nails clean and short, also your hands and teeth clean, yet without showing any great concern for them.

19. Let your countenance be pleasant, but in serious manners somewhat grave.

22. Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another, though he were your enemy.

23. When you see a crime punished, you may be inwardly pleased, but always show pity to the suffering offender.

28. If anyone come to speak with you while you are sitting, stand up, though be be your inferior; and when you present seats, let it be to everyone according to his degree.

29. When you meet with one of greater quality than yourself, stop, and retire, especially if it be a door or any straight place to give way for him to pass.

35. Let your discourse with men of business be short and comprehensive.

41. Undertake not to teach your equal in the art himself professes, it savours of arrogance.

44. When a man does all he can though it succeeds not well blame him not that he did it.

48. Wherein you reprove another be unblameable yourself, for example is more prevalent than precepts.

49. Use no reproachful language against any one; neither curse nor revile.

50. Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any.

56. Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.

58. Let your conversation be without malice or ency, for it is a sign of a tractable and commendable nature; and in all cases of passion admit reason to govern.

65. Speak not injurious words, neither in jest or earnest; scoff at none although they give occasion.

82. Undertake not what you cannot perform, but be careful to keep your promise.

89. Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.

109. Let your recreations be manful not sinful.

110. Labour to keep alive in your breast that little celestial fire called conscience.