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George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior: ...And Other Important Writings
"Labour to keep alive in your breast that little celestial fire called conscience."
"Run not in the streets. . .nor with mouth open; go not upon the toes nor in a dancing fashion."
George Washington was known as a remarkably modest and courteous man. Humility and flawless manners were so ingrained in his character that he rarely if ever acted without them.
The "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior" that governed Washington's etiquette were by turns practical, inspirational and curious. These rules are as instructive and invaluable today as they were hundreds of years ago.
George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior includes the complete text of the rules, as well as famous Washington writings such as:
-Farewell to the Armies speech
-Inaugural Address
-Retirement Address
-Address at the End of His Presidency
"Run not in the streets. . .nor with mouth open; go not upon the toes nor in a dancing fashion."
George Washington was known as a remarkably modest and courteous man. Humility and flawless manners were so ingrained in his character that he rarely if ever acted without them.
The "Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior" that governed Washington's etiquette were by turns practical, inspirational and curious. These rules are as instructive and invaluable today as they were hundreds of years ago.
George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior includes the complete text of the rules, as well as famous Washington writings such as:
-Farewell to the Armies speech
-Inaugural Address
-Retirement Address
-Address at the End of His Presidency
- GenresHistory
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2008
17 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
George Washington
1,375Ìýbooks230ÌýfollowersGeorge Washington was an American military leader, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first President of the United States. He is often referred to as the "Father of His Country" for the central role he played in the founding and early development of the nation.
Born into a family of Virginia planters, Washington grew up on the family's estates and received limited formal education. As a young man, he became a land surveyor, which provided him valuable knowledge of the American frontier. He began his military career in the Virginia militia during the French and Indian War, gaining experience that would later serve him during the American Revolution.
In 1775, with tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain reaching a breaking point, Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army by the Second Continental Congress. Leading a force that was often underfunded, poorly equipped, and inexperienced, Washington faced a series of challenges. Despite suffering early defeats, he demonstrated resilience and strategic skill, securing important victories at Trenton and Princeton. His leadership at the Siege of Yorktown led to the surrender of British forces and ultimately secured American independence.
Following the Revolutionary War, Washington voluntarily resigned his commission and returned to private life at Mount Vernon, a move that reinforced the principle of civilian control of the military. However, the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation soon became evident, and Washington returned to public service as the presiding officer at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. His steady leadership helped facilitate the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution.
Unanimously elected as the first President, Washington took office in 1789 and served two terms. During his presidency, he set many important precedents that would shape the role of the executive branch, including the creation of a Cabinet and the peaceful transfer of power. His leadership style emphasized unity and national identity at a time when political divisions threatened the stability of the new republic.
Washington's foreign policy was characterized by neutrality, particularly during the conflicts arising from the French Revolution. He promoted peaceful relations with foreign powers, most notably through the Jay Treaty with Great Britain. Domestically, he dealt with challenges such as the Whiskey Rebellion, asserting the authority of the federal government to maintain order.
Although a wealthy plantation owner who held enslaved people throughout his life, Washington's views on slavery evolved over time. In his will, he made arrangements to free the individuals he directly owned, setting a precedent among the Founding Fathers and reflecting his personal conflict over the institution.
After completing two terms, Washington declined to seek a third, emphasizing the importance of term limits and setting a lasting example. In his Farewell Address, he warned against the dangers of political factions and entanglements in foreign affairs, advice that influenced American political thought for generations.
George Washington's legacy endures in American culture, politics, and national identity. His name and image have been commemorated in countless ways, from the capital city of Washington, D.C., to monuments, currency, and public institutions. Admired for his leadership, character, and devotion to republican ideals, Washington remains one of the most respected figures in United States history.
Born into a family of Virginia planters, Washington grew up on the family's estates and received limited formal education. As a young man, he became a land surveyor, which provided him valuable knowledge of the American frontier. He began his military career in the Virginia militia during the French and Indian War, gaining experience that would later serve him during the American Revolution.
In 1775, with tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain reaching a breaking point, Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army by the Second Continental Congress. Leading a force that was often underfunded, poorly equipped, and inexperienced, Washington faced a series of challenges. Despite suffering early defeats, he demonstrated resilience and strategic skill, securing important victories at Trenton and Princeton. His leadership at the Siege of Yorktown led to the surrender of British forces and ultimately secured American independence.
Following the Revolutionary War, Washington voluntarily resigned his commission and returned to private life at Mount Vernon, a move that reinforced the principle of civilian control of the military. However, the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation soon became evident, and Washington returned to public service as the presiding officer at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. His steady leadership helped facilitate the drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution.
Unanimously elected as the first President, Washington took office in 1789 and served two terms. During his presidency, he set many important precedents that would shape the role of the executive branch, including the creation of a Cabinet and the peaceful transfer of power. His leadership style emphasized unity and national identity at a time when political divisions threatened the stability of the new republic.
Washington's foreign policy was characterized by neutrality, particularly during the conflicts arising from the French Revolution. He promoted peaceful relations with foreign powers, most notably through the Jay Treaty with Great Britain. Domestically, he dealt with challenges such as the Whiskey Rebellion, asserting the authority of the federal government to maintain order.
Although a wealthy plantation owner who held enslaved people throughout his life, Washington's views on slavery evolved over time. In his will, he made arrangements to free the individuals he directly owned, setting a precedent among the Founding Fathers and reflecting his personal conflict over the institution.
After completing two terms, Washington declined to seek a third, emphasizing the importance of term limits and setting a lasting example. In his Farewell Address, he warned against the dangers of political factions and entanglements in foreign affairs, advice that influenced American political thought for generations.
George Washington's legacy endures in American culture, politics, and national identity. His name and image have been commemorated in countless ways, from the capital city of Washington, D.C., to monuments, currency, and public institutions. Admired for his leadership, character, and devotion to republican ideals, Washington remains one of the most respected figures in United States history.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 28, 2011
Lots of good advice to live by.
The speeches were very interesting, noting his views and thoughts. However, reading them was somewhat awkward due to the 18th century language and sentence structure. It ended up being a fractured or broken read ... a little bit on the disjointed side.
All in all it was a quick read, and who couldn't use reminders of civility in this day and age!!
The speeches were very interesting, noting his views and thoughts. However, reading them was somewhat awkward due to the 18th century language and sentence structure. It ended up being a fractured or broken read ... a little bit on the disjointed side.
All in all it was a quick read, and who couldn't use reminders of civility in this day and age!!
March 1, 2015
I had read this in college but a friend just gave it to me and it's a fast little list of Washington's 100 rules of civility which in some ways this point and in some ways is very profound. A good, fast read
December 31, 2012
George Washington wrote so very little, and this book makes me yearn that he had written more. Every word is golden and true today just as much as they were two hundred years ago.
February 18, 2018
Really solid read, the four speeches really show a great and future oriented thinker. To of my many favorite rules of civility are {be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any} and {labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.} And so many I wish I was a good enough person to do. Washington's end of his presidency speech is incredibly prescient. A must read, especially today.
January 23, 2019
Good book! His rules on etiquette still apply today. This book also included his speech to the troops after the Revolutionary war, his inaugural address and his farewell address after his presidency. Good reference book to look at from time to time.
March 4, 2019
Important both as a an insight into common manners of the times and the thought process of General Washington himself.
January 16, 2022
The old fashioned rules taken by Washington, thought written by French Jesuits, it was how the first president thought he ought to act, and it shows.
November 15, 2022
In my humble opinion, this book should be read by and instilled in as many young men as possible.
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July 24, 2023i bet georgia washington lived unhappily
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July 28, 2023Fascinating study of Washington's sense of manners and morals... and all written at age 14!
July 24, 2011
A fun and thoughtful little book. Well worth the 15 minutes it takes to read. While some of the rules are outdated or have no application in a soiety of equals, most of them were gems of eternal wisdom. These would be great to have printed on posters in classrooms around the country. "When another speaks be attentive yourself and disturb not the audience." And for young children who are still working to understand the rules of appropriate behavior, these are great, short answers to many preschoolers' everyday concerns. "Being set at meat, scratch not; neither spit, cough, or blow your nose, except if there is a necessity for it" and "Put not off your clothes in the presence of others, nor go out your chamber half dressed."
February 23, 2009
Just read my blog post about it...
September 13, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
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