George Washington's Rules of Civility

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United States book Company, 1890 - Etiquette - 180 pages
 

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Contents

I
7
II
55
III
111

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Page 180 - Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience.
Page 118 - Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation : for it is better to be alone, than in bad company.
Page 24 - In the presence of others sing not to yourself with a humming noise, nor drum with your fingers or feet.
Page 74 - Read no letters, books, or papers in company ; but, when there is a necessity for doing it, you must ask leave. Come not near the books or writings of any one so as to read them, unless desired, nor give your opinion of them unasked ; also, look not nigh when another is writing a letter.
Page 137 - Speak not in an unknown tongue in company, but in your own language, and that as those of quality do and not as the vulgar; sublime matters treat seriously.
Page 147 - Be not apt to relate news if you know not the truth thereof. In discoursing of things you have heard, name not your author always. A secret discover not. 45. Be not curious to know the affairs of others, neither approach to those that speak in private.
Page 130 - Be not forward, but friendly and courteous; the first to salute, hear, and answer; and be not pensive when it is a time to converse. 34. Detract not from others, neither be excessive in commending.
Page 154 - In disputes be not so desirous to overcome as not to give liberty to each one to deliver his opinion, and submit to the judgment of the major part, especially if they are judges of the dispute.
Page 19 - Youth's Behaviour, or Decency in Conversation Amongst Men. Composed in French by Grave Persons for the use and benefit of their youth. Now newly turned into English by Francis Hawkins (Nephew to Sir Thomas Hawkins, Translator of Caussins Holy Court).
Page 127 - Speak not of doleful things in time of mirth, nor at the table ; speak not of melancholy things, as death and wounds, and if others mention them, change, if you can, the discourse.

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