Senior Lawyer News

When George Washington was 14, he set out 110 rules of conduct that were, "drawn from an English translation of a French book of maxims intended to polish manners, keep alive the best affections of the heart, impress the obligation of moral virtues, teach how to treat others in social relations, and above all, including the practice of self-control." Your attention is drawn to the entire work as stated in the title above, but sample rules are set out below to attract your interest.

35^th Let your discourse with men of business be short and comprehensive.

44^th Being to advise or reprehend anyone, consider whether it ought to be in public or private, presently or at some other time, in what terms to do it; and in reproving show no sign of cholar, but do it with all sweetness and mildness.

46^th Take all admonitions thankfully in what time or place so ever given, but afterward, not being culpable, take a time and place convenient to let them know it that gave them.

50^th Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any.

56^th Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone then in bad company.

73^rd Think before you speak; pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your words too hastily, but orderly and distinctly.

86^th 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 majority part, especially if they are judges of the dispute.

89^th Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.

98^th Drink not, nor talk with your mouthful; neither gaze about you while you are drinking.

105^th Be not angry at the table whatever happens, and if you have reasons to be so, show it not; put on a cheerful countenance especially if there are strangers, for good humor makes a dish of meat a feast.

110^th Labor to keep alive in your breast that little celestial fire called conscience.