Dakota Beacon

Old school civility has expired. What better place to observe societal rancor than from the top down. Starting with our political leaders in their decision-making schemes and amplified through the media, their contemptuous behavior bodes ill for society in particular and culture in general. Everyday life at ground level smells of wokesterism. With the upsurge of social justice warriors and climate change activists, who needs good manners and civility? Who needs decorum and propriety when Antifa, Black Lives Matter, and assorted race baiters hold sway? No need. To be sure, the growing lack of self-control and blurred moral convictions combined with a greater polarization and secularization of society reflects a culture in regression.

A shortage of civility to one extent or another has always been with us. George Washington, known for generations as the Father of Our Country, was recently “cancelled” in contemporary leftist thinking as little more than a sorry, old, white guy who should be ignored. Leftists in general, and especially leftists in academia, believe the United States was illegitimately founded. Consequently, they taught generations of young people to hate America. Our Founding Fathers, if discussed at all, are portrayed as a bunch of elitist, racist, capitalist white guys who wrote the US Constitution to protect their own little fiefdoms. Nothing can be further from the truth.

Step back in time. As early as 1595 French Jesuits, attempting to set a standard of conduct for young men, compiled and published “Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour.” This code itemized acceptable rules of etiquette. In 1645 the code was translated into English as Francis Hawkins’s “Youths Behaviour, or Decency in Conversation Amongst Men.” The rules were reprinted several times over the years.

George Washington obtained a copy in 1744 when he was 12 years old. Before he was 16 he carefully hand-copied the rules into a notebook as an exercise in penmanship. These rules taught Washington good manners: how to speak, dress, and eat. In larger context they taught him civility toward others. The young Washington took the rules to heart and they influenced the development of his morality and character.

The rules, in retrospect, are timeless. If a man as great as Washington devoted his life to behaving well, then as a society we certainly can learn a few things from him.

Here are some of Washington’s rules. (Original spelling has been retained.)

25. Superfluous compliments and all affectation of ceremonie are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be neglected.

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

44. When a man does all he can though it succeeds not well, blame not him that did it.

49. Use no reproachfull language against any one; neither curse nor revile.

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

58. Let your conversation be without malice or envy, for ’tis a sign of a tractable and commendable nature: and in all causes of passion admit reason to govern.

63. A man ought not to value himself of his achievements, or rare qualities of wit; much less of his riches, virtue or kindred.

65. Speak not injurious words neither in jest nor earnest scoff at none although they give occasion.

67. Detract not from others neither be excessive in commanding.

71. Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of others and ask not how they came. What you may speak in secret to your friend deliver not before others.

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

79. Be not apt to relate news if you know not the truth thereof.

81. Be not curious to know the affairs of others neither approach those that speak in private.

82. Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.

83. When you deliver a matter do it without passion & with discretion, however mean the person you do it to.

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

108. When you speak of God or his attributes, let it be seriously & with reverence.

109. Let your recreations be manfull not sinfull.

110. Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.

Some of George Washington’s rules could be restated for use today. They are as appropriate now as ever. But who would listen? The alternative is increased incivility, vulgarity, and loutishness – a likely prelude to civil unrest.

Dennis M. Patrick can be contacted at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).