Everyday Thoughts for Your
Everyday Life.
The Challenge Continues…
September 7th, 2010 by stephanie
Ok. So, has anyone commented on how polite, or kind or “civil” you’ve been of late? We’re glad you’re back. If you’re joining us for the first time, we are continuing our George Washington Challenge. This week we begin with rules 40-49 of the Rules of Civility. You know the drill. Pick one. Work on it this week. And impress your world!
40th Strive not with your Superiors in argument, but always Submit your Judgment to others with Modesty.
41st Undertake not to Teach your equal in the art himself Professes; it Savours of arrogance.
42nd Let thy ceremonies in Courtesy be proper to the Dignity of his place with whom thou converses for it is absurd to act the same with a Clown and a Prince.
43rd Do not express Joy before one sick or in pain for that contrary Passion will aggravate his Misery. [When a person does their best and fails, do not criticize him.]
44th When a man does all he can though it Succeeds not well blame not him that did it. [When you must give advice or criticism, consider the timing, whether it should be given in public or private, the manner and above all be gentle.]
45th Being to advise or reprehend any one, consider whether it ought to be in public or in Private; presently, or at Some other time in what terms to do it & in reproving Show no Sign of Cholar but do it with all Sweetness and Mildness. [If you are corrected, take it without argument. If you were wrongly judged, correct it later.]
46th Take all Admonitions thankfully in what Time or Place Soever given but afterwards not being culpable take a Time & Place convenient to let him him know it that gave them. [Do not make fun of anything important to others.]
47th Mock not nor Jest at any thing of Importance break [n]o Jest that are Sharp Biting and if you Deliver any thing witty and Pleasant abstain from Laughing thereat yourself.
If you criticize someone else of something, make sure you are not guilty of it yourself. Actions speak louder than words.
48th Wherein you reprove Another be unblameable yourself; for example is more prevalent than Precepts.
49th Use no Reproachful Language against any one neither Curse nor Revile.
Proud of you! Hang in there…and we’ll all get really polite in the process together.
Just my thoughts.
S.
Do the Rules Apply?
August 30th, 2010 by stephanie
Ok, so you’re not off the hook yet. If you’ve been with us, we are working through George Washington’s 110 Rules of Civility. Now, the goal is, pick one, and work on it for the next few days. Think about it: this exercise in bettering ourselves can’t do us anything but a bit of good. I hope you are enjoying this adventure. I know that I am. We are on 31-39!
Cheers!
31st If any one far Surpasses others, either in age, Estate, or Merit yet would give Place to a meaner than himself in his own lodging or elsewhere the one ought not to except it, So he on the other part should not use much earnestness nor offer it above once or twice.
32nd To one that is your equal, or not much inferior you are to give the chief Place in your Lodging and he to who ‘is offered ought at the first to refuse it but at the Second to accept though not without acknowledging his own unworthiness.
33rd They that are in Dignity or in office have in all places Precedency but whilst they are Young they ought to respect those that are their equals in Birth or other Qualities, though they have no Public charge.
34th It is good Manners to prefer them to whom we Speak before ourselves especially if they be above us with whom in no Sort we ought to begin.
35th Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive. [When you speak, be concise].
36th Artificers & Persons of low Degree ought not to use many ceremonies to Lords, or Others of high Degree but Respect and highly Honor them, and those of high Degree ought to treat them with affability & Courtesy, without Arrogance.
37th In speaking to men of Quality do not lean nor Look them full in the Face, nor approach too near them at lest Keep a full Pace from them.
38th In visiting the Sick, do not Presently play the Physician if you be not Knowing therein.
39th In writing or Speaking, give to every Person his due Title According to his Degree & the Custom of the Place.
I know. It’s even an exercise in vocabulary! But think how smart and civil we will all be by 110.
Just my thoughts.
Yours?
S.
The Challenge Continues: Rules 21-30
August 24th, 2010 by stephanie
Ok. So be honest. How are you doing? Have you picked one “rule” each new blog to work on for those days? Well, if you haven’t there’s still time. Take a look at this next grouping. Remember: There are 110!!!
Pick one. And work on it for the next couple of days. Then come back, and pick a new one! Go get ‘em!
| 21st | Reproach none for the Infirmities of Nature, nor Delight to Put them that have in mind thereof. | ||
| 22nd | Show not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy. | ||
| 23rd | When you see a Crime punished, you may be inwardly Pleased; but always show Pity to the Suffering Offender. | ||
| Don’t draw attention to yourself. | 24th | Do not laugh too loud or too much at any Public Spectacle. | |
| 25th | Superfluous Complements and all Affectation of Ceremony are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be Neglected. | ||
| 26th | In Pulling off your Hat to Persons of Distinction, as Noblemen, Justices, Churchmen &c make a Reverence, bowing more or less according to the Custom of the Better Bred, and Quality of the Person. Amongst your equals expect not always that they Should begin with you first, but to Pull off the Hat when there is no need is Affectation, in the Manner of Saluting and resaluting in words keep to the most usual Custom. | ||
| 27th | Tis ill manners to bid one more eminent than yourself be covered as well as not to do it to whom it’s due Likewise he that makes too much haste to Put on his hat does not well, yet he ought to Put it on at the first, or at most the Second time of being asked; now what is herein Spoken, of Qualification in behavior in Saluting, ought also to be observed in taking of Place, and Sitting down for ceremonies without Bounds is troublesome. | ||
| 28th | If any one come to Speak to you while you are are Sitting Stand up though he be your Inferior, and when you Present Seats let it be to every one according to his Degree. | ||
| 29th | When you meet with one of Greater Quality than yourself, Stop, and retire especially if it be at a Door or any Straight place to give way for him to Pass. | ||
| 30th | In walking the highest Place in most Countries Seems to be on the right hand therefore Place yourself on the left of him whom you desire to Honor: but if three walk together the middest Place is the most Honorable the wall is usually given to the most worthy if two walk together. |
Geo. Washington’s Rules of Civility: 11-20
August 15th, 2010 by stephanie
Our series continues. For today…here are rules 11-20. Which one will you work on this week? :)
11th Shift not yourself in the Sight of others nor Gnaw your nails.
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.
13th Kill no Vermin as Fleas, lice ticks &c in the Sight of Others, if you See any filth or thick Spittle put your foot Dexteriously upon it if it be upon the Cloths of your Companions, Put it off privately, and if it be upon your own Cloths return Thanks to him who puts it off.
14th Turn not your Back to others especially in Speaking, Jog not the Table or Desk on which Another reads or writes, lean not upon any one.
15th Keep your Nails clean and Short, also your Hands and Teeth Clean yet without Shewing any great Concern for them.
16th Do not Puff up the Cheeks, Loll not out the tongue rub the Hands, or beard, thrust out the lips, or bite them or keep the Lips too open or too Close.
17th Be no Flatterer, neither Play with any that delights not to be Play’d Withal.
18th Read no Letters, Books, or Papers in Company but when there is a Necessity for the doing of it you must ask leave: come not near the Books or Writings of Another so as to read them unless desired or give your opinion of them unask’d also look not nigh when another is writing a Letter.
19th let your Countenance be pleasant but in Serious Matters Somewhat grave.
20th The Gestures of the Body must be Suited to the discourse you are upon.
Ok. So, Just How Civil Are You?
August 12th, 2010 by stephanie
It was the cutest, thin, red book. I loved it. But I can’t find it anywhere. Doesn’t that just get you when that happens. This little gem was something truly valued. Yet, now, nowhere to be found. And just what was that special gem you ask? It was my very own personal copy of what has become known as Washington’s 110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.
Now, granted, he didn’t invent these. But how many 16 years-olds do you know that actually take the time to copy by hand this type of information, carry it around, and practice the advice? Sadly, I doubt there are many.
Some of you may have forgotten that these rules were actually composed by French Jesuits in 1595. And others of you may be witnessing them for the very first time. With that, let’s begin our next venture: to take a gander at all of them over the next few weeks. Here’s your first grouping. See if you can’t work on one, or two, or…
The Rules:
1st Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present. [Treat everyone with respect.]
2nd When in Company, put not your Hands to any Part of the Body, not usually Discovered.
[Be considerate of others. Do not embarrass others.]
3rd Show Nothing to your Friend that may affright him.
4th In the Presence of Others Sing not to yourself with a humming Noise, nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet.
5th 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.
6th Sleep not when others Speak, Sit not when others stand, Speak not when you Should hold your Peace, walk not on when others Stop.
7th Put not off your Cloths in the presence of Others, nor go out your Chamber half Dressed.
8th At Play and at Fire its Good manners to Give Place to the last Commer, and affect not to Speak Louder than Ordinary.
9th Spit not in the Fire, nor Stoop low before it neither Put your Hands into the Flames to warm them, nor Set your Feet upon the Fire especially if there be meat before it.
10th When you Sit down, Keep your Feet firm and Even, without putting one on the other or Crossing them.
Come back soon. Our series continues! And who knows, we all might be a bit more civil by the time we’ve finished!
Just my thoughts.
S.
Washington’s Civility and Franklin’s Virtues.
August 6th, 2010 by stephanie
Ok, so most of us have heard about or are perhaps familiar with Washington’s 110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation. Based on a set of rules composed by French Jesuits in 1595, the young George copied them by hand at the age of 16.
But how many of you were aware of the 13 Virtues that Franklin had penned at the tender age of 20 (in 1726)? You may recall them. If not, I list them here:
1. “TEMPERANCE. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.”
2. “SILENCE. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.”
3. “ORDER. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.”
4. “RESOLUTION. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.”
5. “FRUGALITY. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.”
6. “INDUSTRY. Lose no time; be always employ’d in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.”
7. “SINCERITY. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.”
8. “JUSTICE. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.”
9. “MODERATION. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.”
10. “CLEANLINESS. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.”
11. “TRANQUILLITY. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.”
12. “CHASTITY. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.”
13. “HUMILITY. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.”
With that, think of the VIRTUE you might practice today. Maybe pick one a day? If anything, it will be an exercise in bettering yourself. If only even for today.
Just my thoughts. Yours?
S.
Icebreakers. Part II.
July 29th, 2010 by stephanie
So, here we are. And I am back with PART II of this week’s ICEBREAKER series. Hope you enjoyed our first installment. (Scroll down below.) Here is round 2 just for you.
11. I don’t make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.– Will Rogers
12. If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it’s free!– P.J. O’Rourke
13. In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other.– Voltaire (1764)
14. Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you! – Pericles (430 B.C.)
15. No man’s life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session. – Mark Twain (1866)
16. Talk is cheap…except when Congress does it. – Anonymous
17. The government is like a baby’s alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other. – Ronald Reagan
18. The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal sharing of misery. – Winston Churchill
19. The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin. – Mark Twain
20. There is no distinctly native American criminal class…save Congress. – Mark Twain
Just their thoughts…yours?
S.
Icebreakers for Your Week.
July 26th, 2010 by stephanie
We can all use a little levity from time to time. And, if not that, some fresh perspective now and then never hurts. Do you have any meetings scheduled this week? Gatherings perhaps? Socials? If so, here is Part One of a two-part blog that I wanted to share with you.
When you walk into that board room, perhaps you just need a little something to ease the tension. Why not try one of these out for size? Or, perhaps you have a family gathering coming up and will find a moment where you feel the need to enhance, or even change, the subject?. Maybe one or two of the below can assist. Enjoy!
1. In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm and three or more is a congress. – John Adams
2. If you don’t read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed. – Mark Twain
3. Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But then I repeat myself. – Mark Twain
4. I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. – Winston Churchill
5. A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul. – George Bernard Shaw
6. Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner. – James Bovard, Civil Libertarian (1994)
7. Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer of money from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries. – Douglas Casey, Classmate of Bill Clinton at Georgetown University
8. Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. – P.J. O’Rourke, Civil Libertarian
9. Government is the great fiction, through which everybody endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else. – Frederic Bastiat, French Economist (1801-1850)
10. Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. – Ronald Reagan (1986)
Just their thoughts. Yours?
S.
Does the Butterfly Bring Us a Message?
July 24th, 2010 by stephanie
A few weeks ago I was sitting in a glass lobby and noticed a butterfly alight on the door outside. I can’t say as I have seen that happen before. Or, if I had, not sure why this particular occasion stuck with me. A week later, as I was pulling up to a stop light, I noticed a butterfly land on the passenger side window. Again, I took notice. Since then, I have had numerous other butterfly sitings. So, I knew it was time to pull out the laptop. Perhaps it was simply Butterfly season?
As many of you may already know, the butterfly is quite symbolic to many peoples and cutltures. Apparently, the Mandarin Chinese say the insect symbolizes long life. 70 years, actually. They also feel it is telling of young men in love.
The Japanese see it as a sign for young maidens and marital bliss.
In Germany, butterflies having once hovered around the butter churn became known as “stealers of the cream”.
Greeks saw the butterfly as a symbol of the soul. They even considered white butterflies as the souls of those who had passed away and gone on to the great beyond.
In Western culture, the creature has become a symbol of Freedom.
According to a Blackfoot Indian, the butterfly brings us our dreams. A tribal member might say after the fire burns low and the people began to make up their beds about the lodge, ‘Well, let us go to bed and see what news the butterfly will bring?” Interestingly, The Native American Indians also use a cross, similar to a Maltese cross, as a sign for the butterfly.
Which brings us to the topic of the butterfly and its connection to the Resurrection in the Christian realm. I was surprised to learn that butterflies were actually engraved in the stones of many a Christian’s tomb centuries ago. A sign that the person who had, having died and entered the tomb, had now departed their earthly cocoon only to have experienced release into life eternal.
Regardless of your particular thoughts on butterflies, one thing we can all agree on is that they truly symbolize change. A massive transition. From an, earthbound groveling worm to a free-flying, creature of beauty.
In truth? I’d love to think something wonderful is heading my way. But for now, it’s enough to be reminded of the freedom I do cherish and enjoy. Both here on my native soil and the freedom that I will someday enjoy in heaven above.
Just my thoughts. Yours?
S.
Founding…Mothers?
July 9th, 2010 by stephanie
In keeping with our nation’s birthday theme this week, I made an effort to finish the book Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts. Wow. Glad I did. I had Noooooooo idea as to the stories I read and the scoop I learned. I realize some of the below are NOT what you are expecting, but neither was I!
Did you know:
Martha Washington had a Tom Cat she named “Hamilton”, yes, after Alexander Hamilton. And for good reason! That guy was married, but “got around” to be sure!
Nathaniel Green’s wife, after his death, lived openly and traveled with her children’s tutor! And, she helped Eli Whitney invent the Cotton Gin. It was at her plantation when that invention went down.
Eliza Pinkney, at the age of 16, was left to run the three family plantations. And in so doing planted a forest that she hoped one day would be used for her new nation’s future naval ships! But there’s more, she is responsible for the entire indigo industry that came about.
On and on the stories went. I SO hope that you will add this title to that already high stack of books on your nightstand. Better yet, as I do, get the CDs and listen on your commute or in the car. That’s where I do my BEST, if not all, of my reading.
Just my thoughts,
S.
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