Men,
Last week, I began writing about George Washington’s 110 Rules of Civility and Decent behavior. I wish to continue that this Memorial Day, as we remember the fallen soldiers who sacrificed everything so we can live and worship freely. Pray for their souls.
And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave. For glory lights the soldier’s tomb, and beauty weeps the brave.
Below is my last post on Rules 1-5, in case you would like a refresher, or feel the need to catch up. These set of rules aim to sculpt the inner man by shaping the outward, first. That is, they’re a way of molding your character by shaping your behavior.
The Rules (6-10)
Sleep not when others speak, sit not when others stand, speak not when you should hold your peace, walk not on when others stop.
Again, choose to be mindful in the presence of others. Context clues and social cues are important. Listen when others are speaking to you, be respectful at all times - you are a Catholic man, act as one. Speak only when you must. Remember that the heart of a fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is in his heart. Lastly, don’t leave anyone behind.
Put not off your cloths in the presence of others, nor go out your chamber half dressed.
This rule boils down to modesty. Being mindful of your appearance, not for vain purposes though. Remember, when you fast do not appear to be disheveled so that others will notice. Anoint your head and wash your face.
At play and at fire its good manners to give place to the last comer, and affect not to speak louder than ordinary.
Simply put, keep in mind your good manners. Brining unneeded attention to yourself only invites trouble. In the company of friends, or even foes, keep a calm demeanor. He who is the first to anger, loses.
Spit not in the fire, nor stoop low before it neither put your hands into the flames to warm them, nor set your feet upon the fire especially if there be meat before it.
To be honest, I don’t really know how to apply this one to modern daily life, but I suppose the point still stands - don’t dirty up someone’s food!
When you sit down, keep your feet firm and even, without putting one on the other or crossing them.
When you sit, sit like a man. I guess this rule may be a bit of lost art. How mindful are most of us when we are sitting down, though? Maybe this is a good practice to pick up. Put your back in the chair, shoulders back, feet firmly on the ground - no crossing and no wide spreading, being mindful of others to your left and right. (And those sitting directly opposite that are facing you.
That concludes this Monday’s Rules of Civility and Decent behavior. Next week we can continue with Rules 11-15.
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Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Nick
Catholic Manhood
The fire, maybe seems like a distant “respect for the kitchen”. Many of us, myself included, take our food to places where we spit, dirty our hands and/or feet? It’s a convenience of to-go and processed foods. Or maybe just wash your hands before you eat, or at least after you use the bathroom before you eat. Are we really in that much of a hurry?