The Foundations of a Statesman: George Washington’s Rules of Civility
How a Set of Maxims on Behavior Shaped the Character of America's First President
George Washington’s “Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation” is a collection of 110 maxims emphasizing proper etiquette, civility, and consideration for others.
These rules were compiled by Washington as a young man, likely as a personal guide to how one should conduct themselves in social situations.
Although Washington did not write the rules himself, they are believed to be based on a set of French maxims from the 16th century, which were translated and disseminated throughout Europe and the colonies.
Background
Washington copied these rules by hand when he was around 14 years old as part of his schooling. It was common practice at that time to instill good manners and discipline in young people.
The rules focus on topics such as proper behavior in public, respect for others, personal humility, and self-discipline.
Themes in the Rules
Respect and Humility: Many of the rules focus on showing respect to others, whether by listening attentively, not speaking over others, or avoiding gossip. Humility is a recurring theme, encouraging modesty in both speech and actions.
Self-Control: Several rules emphasize the importance of controlling one's emotions and actions, suggesting that civility comes from restraint and decorum.
Consideration for Others: The rules highlight the importance of thinking about how one's actions affect those around one. This applies to everything from table manners to conversation.
Gentlemanly Behavior: The rules reflect the expectations of gentlemanly conduct at the time and outline appropriate behaviors for social interaction and conversation.
Examples of Rules
Rule 1: "Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present."
Rule 6: "Sleep not when others speak, sit not when others stand, speak not when you should hold your peace, walk not when others stop."
Rule 22: "Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another though he were your enemy."
Impact on Washington's Character
Although these rules were written when Washington was young, they seem to have impacted his character. As he grew into leadership roles, including as the first president of the United States, Washington was known for his decorum, restraint, and diplomatic skills, traits that his adherence to these principles may have reinforced.
Today, Washington’s “Rules of Civility” reflect 18th-century social norms and provide insight into how Washington developed his sense of leadership and personal responsibility.
NPR published the list back in 2003, and "for ease of reading, punctuation, and spelling have been modernized."