Rules of Civility

I started a new book that my boss recently bought me for my birthday. I haven't finished the other two that you see here on my profile, but I wanted to start this one now. The reason for reading three books? I definitely have ADD when it comes to reading. I get bored easily and need to switch back and forth between reads. And I need to get a head start on this one because it is huge compared to most I read. Total including a couple of appendixes is 83o+ pages. I just started it and it has captured my wondering mind. Well, at least until I got to page 10 and needed to come here and post something that I just read.

The book is The Real George Washington by Parry, Allison, and Skousen. It begins with Washington's early years and on page 10 is a section from his exercise books titled The "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior". Below is an excerpt.

Let your countenance be pleasant, but in serious matters somewhat grave.
Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another, though he were your enemy.
In writing or speaking, give to every person his due title according to his degree and the custom of the place.
When a man does all he can, though it succeeds not well, blame not him that did it.
Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgment to others with modesty.
Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company.

Let your conversation be without malice or envy...And in all causes of passion admit reason to govern.
Undertake not what you cannot perform, but be careful to keep your promise.
When you speak of God and his attributes, let it be seriously and with reverence. Honor and obey your natural parents although they be poor.
Let your recreations be manful, not sinful.
Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.

Amen!