As it turns out, the “110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation,” is probably based on a set of rules written by French Jesuits in 1595. By the time he was 16 years old, George Washington had copied a simplified version of the rules as part of a penmanship exercise. Historians say the writing exercise long influenced Washington, who aspired to live by the rules his whole life. Here’s how U.S. Rep. Betsy Markey has interpreted some of the rules for town-hall behavior:
Washington: Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.
Markey: Respect one another. Don’t yell at people. Don’t hold a sign in front of someone’s face. You may not agree with what they say, but everybody deserves a right to speak.
Washington: In the Presence of Others, Sing not to yourself with a humming Noise, nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet.
Markey: It’s rude to sing while others are talking.
Washington: Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive.
Markey: Be concise. Others want to talk too.
Washington: Use no Reproachful Language against any one, neither Curse nor Revile.
Markey: I think we get this one.
Words of wisdom. Take in all 110 rules from George Washington.
