Posted by Schoolmafter Chris on July 31, 2000 at 23:20:05:
George Washington wrote these when he was about 25 years old, there are 110 of them, I chose some of the more interesting or amusing ones in random order:
59. Reproach no one excepting that such a reproach is intended to instruct, never do so out of spite or to humiliate.
60. If one of higher station justly reproaches you, do not anger. Rather apologize for your transgression and thank him for setting you straight.
38. In visiting the sick, do not presently play the physician if you be not knowing therein
2. When in company put not your hands on any part of the body not usually discovered.
22 Show not yourself to be glad at the misfortune of others though he may be your enemy.
32. To him who is your equal you should give the best place in your lodging. And he to whom it is offered should at first refuse it but should accept on the second offer though not without acknowledging his own unworthiness for such an honor.
54. Play not the peacock, looking about you to see if your stockings are straight, your shoes the most fashionable, your dress superior to those around you.
47 If you deliver anything witty or amusing, abstain from laughing thereat yourself.
41 Undertake not to teach your equal in an art himself professes. To do so is arrogance
53 Do not speak of God unless you do so with respect. Never mention His name unless you are actually talking of Him, and then do so only with proper respect and awe.
98 Drink not nor talk with your mouth full, neither gaze about when drinking.
14. Do not stuff your mouth nor eat too hastily. Swallow the previous morsel before placing another in your mouth.
15 Do not blow on your broth nor meat, rather, if they be too hot, hold each morsel on the silverware near the dish until they are cool enough to eat comfortably.