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Antique Code Of Conduct Written By A Young George Washington
Even As A child
A written code of conduct was found on the inside cover of George Washinton's childhood schoolbook. This extensive code contained 32 principles for men and women to live by. What's amazing is that this code was handwritten by the boy Washington himself!
Here are some of them!
1. Every action in company ought to done with some sign of respect for those present
Paraphrase: Keep in mind who you're with and think before you act!
2. Don’t be glad at the misfortune of others, though they be your enemy
Paraphrase: Even if you don't like a person, don't celebrate when they fall into hard times
Do you think America has lost its common courtesy?
3. In visiting the sick, do not immediately play the physician if you be not knowing therein
Paraphrase: If you don't know what's wrong with someone who is sick, don't suggest your opinions
4. Mock not nor jest at anything of importance
Paraphrase: Don't reduce important things to a crude joke
5. Make no jests that are sharp or biting
Paraphrase: Never make a mean-spirited or cruel joke
6. Use no reproachful language against anyone, neither cursings nor revilings
Paraphrase: Never cuss someone out or rant and rave against them
7. Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of anyone
Paraphrase: When you hear rumors about someone you know - get your facts before you believe it
8. Associate yourselves with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation, for it’s better to be alone than in bad company
Paraphrase: Be careful who you hang out with. It would be better to have no friends that to have friends that drag you into trouble
9. Gaze not at the marks and blemishes of others and ask not how they came
Paraphrase: Don't concentrate on the flaws of other people, and don't ask why they have them
10. What you may speak in secret to your friend, deliver not before others
Paraphrase: if it's a secret between you and your friend, leave it that way
12. If any hesitate in his words, help him not nor prompt him without being desired. Interrupt him not nor answer him till his speech be ended
Paraphrase: Don't try to finish someone else's sentence - Even if you think you know what he's trying to say, let him say it for himself
11. Think before you speak, pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your words too hastily, but orderly and distinctly
Paraphrase: Before you say something, think about it - take your time and be clear. Don't mumble or slur your words
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13. Undertake not which you cannot perform, but be careful to keep your promise
Paraphrase: Know your limits, don't make promises you can't keep - when you do make a promise, do what you said!
14. When you speak of God or His attributes, let it be seriously, in reverence and honor
Paraphrase: Don't reduce the Creator of the universe to the punchline to some silly joke
Historian David Barton on George Washington
15. Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience
Paraphrase: Always do what's right. If your conscience is bothering you, listen to what it's saying!
