Being George Washington - Week 7

A continuation of my social experiment of incorporating a set of rules George Washington himself used and obviously helped define him into being the great man who helped shape our nation.

He did not create these rules after all - he merely read them and saw the potential of the man he would become if he incorporated this lifestyle in everyday living.

This is my attempt to "update" these rules into our generation and apply them to my life as well.

Rules 18-21

18. Read no letter, books, or papers in company, but when there is a necessity for the doing of it, you must ask leave; come not near the books or writings of another so as to read them unless desired, or give your opinion of them unasked. Also look not nigh when another is writing a letter.

The first thing I thought of when I read this was the old Tom & Jerry cartoons.  Tom knew that if he feigned interest in a book, then Jerry would be interested in what it was - especially if Tom kept it just out of Jerry's eyesight and made it seem very interesting to look at!  As soon as he let Jerry see the book, he was within reach for Tom to catch.

How many times has someone opened a letter, magazine or newspaper and their response to whatever they are reading peaks our interest?  However, there are not as many of those printed publications being opened these days.  With everyone and their dog owning some type of mobile device, we are all walking around checking out facebook, twitter, emails and even www.peopleofwalmart.com.   Usually we are quick to show the company around us anything that has made us smile, laugh or even upset and angry.

Be that as it may, this rule does need a bit of updating to bring it into the 21st century.  This is really a case of mobile device etiquitte.  These rules are not clearly defined as the use of our phones changes as technology advances.  The need (or at least desire) to have that constant connection with the outside world within arms length is increasing..  I am guilty of it myself.  It is nearly impossible to leave a room to go check the text/email/groupon you received on your phone..  and in some situations it would be down-right silly to do so.

Also look not nigh when another is writing a letter.  It is sooo very hard not to watch another person when they get on their phone to respond to a text, email or facebook post.  Perhaps I am more curious than most, but I have such a desire to see what it is.  Would I want someone peaking over my shoulder to try and catch a glimpse into what I'm doing?  No...  Why?  Because it's just down-right annoying!!  So I go against my nature and resist to my best ability to keep my eyes to my own business!

19. Let your countenance be pleasant but in serious matters somewhat grave.

I am a big fan of Saturday Night Live..  this rule reminded me of their skit Debbie Downer. http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/debbie-downer-dress-rehearsal/1226119   If you have not had the unfortunate experience of knowing someone like Debbie - you are among the few.  Either they are always discussing terrible world issues or they speak nothing else but of themselves and their troubles.  I don't mean to say it's wrong to go to someone when experiencing difficulties, but these types seem to enjoy talking this way and if you see two people together like this - it's almost a competition of whose life is the worse off!

In contrast, I immediately think of my sweet cousin Ashley.  We work together at the office and one day she road with us into work..  She seemed a little quieter than usual, but just as sweet and asking us how we were doing and such things.  I had no idea she was sick until she threw up in the parking lot after she got out of the car.  I helped her in the office so she could clean herself up, then went to get a bucket of water to wash the vomit away so no one would step in it.  As soon as she saw what I was about to do, she tried to take it from me to do it herself..  I talked her out of it, but my point is that Ashley is not like this once in a while - it is an everyday occurrence.

I have to admit that I find myself somewhere in between Debbie and Ashley, but I aspire to be more like Ashley and be conscientious of those around me.  The reason for the difference between the two would take up an entirely new blog.  ...so, mental note for future blog idea...

20. The gestures of the body must be suited to the discourse you are upon.

Hmmm....  I suppose it would be a bit strange if the President started doing a ho-down while giving the State of the Union address..

I don't really know why this is a rule.  Isn't it just common sense??

What do you think?

Next blog:  Rules21-23


21. Reproach none for the infirmities of nature, nor delight to put them that have in mind of thereof.

22. Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another though he were your enemy.

23. When you see a crime punished, you may be inwardly pleased; but always show pity to the suffering offender.