Not too long ago I enjoyed and reviewed Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. This book is on my top ten favorites list. Referenced throughout the novel are George Washington's rules and the entire list is printed in the back of book. The rules are bits of insightful wisdom that I know I could benefit from revisiting. Here are some examples:
Taken from George Washington’s Rules of Civility:
● (1st) Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.
● (12th) Shake not the head, Feet, or Legs rowl not the Eys lift not one eyebrow higher than the other wry not the mouth, and bedew no mans face with your Spittle, by approaching too near him when you Speak.
● (50th) Be not hasty to beleive flying Reports to the Disparagement of any.
Even though the language is a bit dated, they still resonate with me. However, another list has been provided to me from the good folks at Penguin that are more contemporary and very apropos:
New RULES to Live By Today:
● Let electronic communication not be used when discussing serious matters. Though you were to use a surfeit of emoticons, they would not aid your success. Such electronic methods include (but are not exhausted by) G-chat, IM, Twitter, e-mail, and Facebook.
● Do not neglect to send thank you notes when someone has done you a kindness.
● Upon public transportation, do not make a pretense that you are unaware of the elderly patron, the person with a cane/crutches, or the profoundly pregnant woman standing nearby. If you be of able body, it is right for you to relinquish your seat.
● In all shared partnerships each party should strive to accomplish 75% of the toil and maintenance thereof. Thus does one ensure a happy life.
● No sidewalks are to be found wide enough that three persons are able to perambulate side-by-side-by-side. Be conscious of your surroundings.
I'm very pleased to announce a giveaway of a signed copy of this book to my readers. All you need to do is leave a comment with your own 'rule of civility' as well as your email address. The winner will be chosen using random.org. Deadline is October 30th. I guarantee you won't regret spending time with this awesome book! Good luck!
Posts
15 comments:
Never return a plate empty.
Thanks for the giveaway. kathy(at)bermudaonion.net
Show your appreciation and thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
Just say thank you! it is a dying trait!
thanks for the giveaway.
mystica123athotmaildotcom
"Treat others as you wish to be treated".
bibliophilebythesea AT gmail DOT com
Always say thank you when someone does you a courtesy!
misusedinnocence@aol.com
say please and thank you :) THank YOU for the contest!
inthehammockblog at gmail dot com
Treat everyone with courtesy and respect.
In all public places, let discretion be the ruling force over personal grooming. Let plucking of eyebrows and snipping of toenails remain a non-public mystery.
Always show respect to your elders
Thanks! I'll keep my fingers crossed!
Margaret
singitm@hotmail.com
Shut up and listen!
bethvollbach at sbcglobal dot net
Treat family as well as others.
rose[dot]sally[at]gmail.com
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Thanks for the contest.
karendothencheyatsympaticodotca
Do unto others...
Though I do like techeditors response!
sushismomma at gmail dot com
A person is known by the company they keep.
Think before you speak. Or for our technological age, think before you hit send.
Thanks!
spring dot debra at gmail dot com
Post a Comment