George Washington's Spiritual Journey.

• Author: Connell, Janice T.
• Position: Colonial America - 'George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation'

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GEORGE WASHINGTON enthusiastically embraced life's lessons. In 1745, when he was 13 years old, young Washington transcribed "The Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation" in colonial shorthand in his school workout. These "Rules" were taught to Washington during his first year of study with Rev. James Marye, a French Jesuit turned Anglican priest and rector of St. George's Church in Fredericksburg, Va. Rev. Marye also taught Washington mathematics, Latin, and deportment. Schoolboy George was required to learn the Rules of Civility by heart. They were the code of civil, social, and cultural behavior for respectable gentlemen of his times. Washington accomplished his lessons perfectly.

The history of those Rules of Civility dates from the 1590s. French Jesuit priests distilled the spiritual exercises of their Spanish founder, Ignatius of Loyola, and incorporated them with rules of deportment for European nobility known as "110 Rules for Young Gentlemen." Washington's handwritten copy of these "Rules" in his personal notebook now is in the Library of Congress.

"The Rules of Civility" that governed Washington's code of behavior convey Ignatian discipline designed to form the authentic spiritual man. They allow adherents exquisite awareness that man is God's servant, on Earth to honor his fellow man as he would like to be honored in everyday life, living not for self, but for the good of all. "The Rules of Civility" were so gentlemanly that they even included regulations concerning suitable table manners and proper conversation.

That Washington appropriated "The Rules of Civility" into his personality and social-political behavior is evident throughout his remaining life. Consider what Abigail Adams, wife of George Washington's vice president, John Adams, said of the first president of the U.S., "No man ever lived, more deservedly beloved and Respected. The praise and I may say adulation which followed his administration for several years, never made him forget that he was a Man, subject to the weakness and frailty attached to human nature. He never grew giddy, but ever maintained a modest diffidence of his own talents, and if that was an error, it was of the amiable and engaging kind.... Possesst of power, possesst of an extensive influence, he never used it but for the benefit of his Country.... When assailed by faction, when reviled by Party, he suffered with dignity, and retired from his exalted station with a Character which malice would not wound, nor envy tarnish. If we look through the whole tenor of his Life, History will not produce to us a Parallel."

Such praise finds origin in Washington's properly formed conscience and refined spiritual nature. "The Rules of Civility" were tools he used to achieve excellence in personal conduct. They shine brightly as cardinal principles of Washington's leadership. An excerpted version of "The Rules of Civility" in somewhat modernized English usage follows:

Let all actions performed in public show some sign of respectful sentiment to the entire company.

When in the presence of others, refrain from touching any part of the body that is not usually within view. The hands and feet are ordinarily visible. In order to form the habit in this point of etiquette, practice it when you are with intimate friends.

Show nothing to your companion that may grieve him, since that might provoke a misunderstanding.

Do not seek amusement by singing to yourself, unless you are beyond the heating of others; do not tap out the beat of a drum with your hands or feet.

Whenever you cough or sneeze, if you can control these natural efforts, do not sound off so highly or loudly. Do not heave sighs so noisily that others hear. When you yawn, refrain from any sound...