192 - The Enduring Wisdom of George Washington’s Rules

In today’s episode, we delve into George Washington’s “110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior,” a set of guidelines that the first U.S. President copied from a French etiquette manual during his youth. These rules, which shaped his conduct and helped forge his character, offer timeless wisdom on politeness and decorum that is surprisingly relevant in our modern society.

The Foundation of Civility: We start by exploring the significance of these rules in Washington’s life and how they influenced his reputation as a leader. These principles were not just about manners but about forging a character equipped for leadership and respectful interactions.

A.J. Jacobs’ Experiment: We discuss how contemporary writer A.J. Jacobs adopted Washington’s rules in his life for a month, as detailed in his book “My Life as an Experiment.” Jacobs’ experiences reveal the practicality of these rules in modern settings, emphasizing concise communication (Rule 34) and showing respect in every interaction (Rule 1).

Applying Old Wisdom to New World Challenges: We talk about how these historical guidelines can be applied to today’s digital communication challenges, encouraging more thoughtful and respectful engagements in both personal and professional contexts.

Favorite Rules and Anecdotes: Our host shares their favorite civility rules and some humorous yet insightful anecdotes about trying to live by these guidelines in everyday life, including the complexities and unexpected outcomes of such an experiment.

Call to Action: We invite listeners to reflect on how incorporating elements of Washington’s civility into daily interactions could improve their communication and relationships. We also encourage audience participation by asking listeners to submit their own modern-day rules of civility.
Conclusion: Wrapping up, we consider the enduring impact of these rules on modern etiquette and the potential for rediscovering civility in our fast-paced, often impersonal world. Tune in to gain insights into how historical lessons can foster a more respectful and thoughtful society today.

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/192-the-enduring-wisdom-of-george-washingtons-rules/

https://bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.usc.edu/dist/a/836/files/2015/05/George-Washingtons-Rules.pdf

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