For immediate release: Thursday, August 20, 1998
Media Contacts: Sharon Rippey 315-859-4691; [email protected] or Holly Foster 315-859-4068
George Washington's Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour Distributed to Freshmen; Emphasizing Importance of Decency
In addition to receiving a copy of the student handbook to guide their behavior on campus, first-year students at Hamilton College will receive 110 "Rules of Civility," written by George Washington when he was 14.
President Eugene Tobin, who ordered copies of the small book (Applewood Books, 1988) for the 467 freshmen of the independent liberal arts college, said the book is being distributed because, "the Hamilton College community respects the integrity and dignity of all individuals." Founded in 1812, and named for Alexander Hamilton, the college is among the oldest in the U.S.
"May this small book inspire you to treat everyone with kindness, decency, respect and graciousness," reads a note from Tobin that accompanies the book. "Since a liberal arts education is a rehearsal for dealing with differences among human beings, the requisite arts of listening, understanding and negotiating are among the most important intellectual skills and virtues we are called upon to master," Tobin added.
Although many of Washington's "rules" may initially strike modern readers as anachronistic, Tobin believes that the democratic dispositions of fairness, honesty, trust, civility and compromise are as relevant today as in George Washington's time. Rather than view our first president's advice as the affectation of 18th century society, Tobin believes that students of the millennial generation must be just as conscious and purposeful in developing an appreciation for the importance of respect, fairness, human decency and compromise as the indispensable elements of a civil society.
The foreword of the book notes, "George Washington, the father of our country, exhibited notable manners throughout his life. Diligence in social matter was common practice in decent society the world over, during his lifetime. These rules were drawn from an English translation of a French book of maxims and were intended to polish manners, keep alive the best affections of the heart, impress the obligation of moral virtues, teach how to treat others in social relations, and above all, inculcate the practice of a perfect self-control."
Selected rules by number:
1. Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.
4. In the presence of others sing not to yourself with a humming noise, nor drum with your fingers or feet.
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.
7. Put not off your clothes in the presence of others, nor go out your chamber half dressed.
24. Do not laugh too much or too loud in public.
54. Play not the peacock, looking everywhere about you, to see if you be well decked, if your shoes fit well, if your stockings sit neatly, and clothes handsomely.
90. Being set at meat, scratch not; neither spit, cough or blow your nose, except if there is a necessity for it.
101. Rinse not your mouth in the presence of others
109. Let your recreations be manful not sinful.
110. Labor to keep alive in your breast that little celestial fire called conscience.
Hamilton College is known for contributing leaders to the political, diplomatic and business communities.
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NOTE TO EDITORS: Eugene Tobin, president, Hamilton College available for interview. Photographs available. The students will be given the book, George Washington's Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour ,when they matriculate, Thursday, Aug. 27. All students entering Hamilton College sign the historic College Register, which contains the signatures of entering Hamilton College students through the years, and are individually greeted by President Tobin.
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