The Glittering Eye tackles civility, Founding Father’s style:
These rules for civility were found in George Washington’s childhood copybook. . . . .
1 Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.
2 When in company, put not your hands to any part of the body not usually discovered.
3 Show nothing to your friend that may affright him.
4 In the presence of others, sing not to yourself with a humming voice, or drum with your fingers or feet.
5 If you cough, sneeze, sigh, or yawn, do it not loud but privately, and speak not in your yawning, but put your handkerchief or hand before your face and turn aside.
6 Sleep not when others speak; sit not when others stand; speak not when you should hold your peace; walk not on when others stop.
. . . .
Pretty darn good advice, methinks. Although I’m a bit confused by #3 . . . .
Happy (late) Fourth, folks!
7) Direct not to your esteemed colleague, in the presence of other learned gentlemen, the suggestion that he go f*** himself.
#3 and #2 come as a pair.
Show not your friends your hands when they are on a part of your body not normally discovered, for it may affright them.
5 If you cough, sneeze, sigh, or yawn, do it not loud but privately, and speak not in your yawning, but put your handkerchief or hand before your face and turn aside.
Hmm, nothing about… er… other bodily noises there. Except maybe:
20 The gestures of the body must be suited to the discourse you are upon.
or
44 When a man does all he can, though it succeed not well, blame not him that did it.
Are these helpful infobits a sure fire way to avoid a duel?
I would like to share on of my favorite quotes from Albert Einstein: “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.”