If you want a real interesting read on olde Geo visit the George Washington's papers site at the Library of Congress. Most of his financial papers and expense accounts have been posted. These papers tell more about the man than anything else---and how seriously he adhered to his own rules of conduct. I don't think they make Geo out to be a hypocrite, but, they do put flesh on his historical bones. The financial papers also hold the answers to some mysteries and a more complete understanding of the American experience.
Also, you might note that the rules of civility copied and modified by Geo were written down when he was 12 or 13 years old---quite a project for a child.
Your email pal,
Tom L.
Daniel wrote:
> Sorry, I can't resist. How about George Washington on civility? (Found this
> surfing the net tonight: online books: http://www.cs.cmu.edu/booktitles.html
> .)
>
> This is just a selection:
>
> "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 appr[oaching too nea]r 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."
>
> For more: http://www.virginia.edu/gwpapers/civility/civ-tran.html
>
> Quincy