George Washington exhibited notable manners throughout his life. Diligence in social matters was common practice in decent society the world over, during his lifetime. At the age of 14, George Washington wrote down 110 rules under the title Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation. 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.
WHEN I WAS 14 I WAS:
starting off high school,
learning about biology,
doodling in class,
trying things out,
restless,
painting my nails,
acting out,
easily distracted,
generally happy,
friendly,
always laughing,
thinking I knew better,
AIMing,
in dress code,
reading "The Great Gatsby"
eating in front of the TV,
in my room alone,
talkative,
curious,
arguing with my sister,
hungry,
hoping to be a good adult one day.
