How George Washington’s Rules of Civility Became Famous

George Washington’s Rules of Civility were first published in 1888 by Moncure D. Conway in a magazine. Prior to that, the rules were largely unknown to the public, as they were part of Washington’s personal school exercises. They later gained wider recognition thanks to Conway.

So, in essence, George Washington did not write the Rules of Civility by himself. As a teenager, he copied the rules into a notebook as an exercise in penmanship and moral instruction. The rules originated from a 16th-century French etiquette guide, Bienséance de la Conversation entre les Hommes, which was later translated and adapted by Jesuit scholars in England. Washington’s version is therefore an English adaptation of these earlier principles.

His collection consists of 110 guidelines designed to govern social behavior. The rules cover various situations, which could be broadly represented as showing respect to others and maintaining proper conduct in daily interactions. The rules likely influenced his character and approach to leadership, as they emphasize discipline, respect, and humility—qualities for which Washington became known throughout his life. His first rule is:

Every Action done in Company ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.

This rule is perhaps the most fundamental: demonstrate respect to others in social settings. That is it. Every action, no matter how small, should be performed with consideration and regard for the people around us. This rule encourages a certain mindfulness, and suggests that even simple interactions should reflect a sense of courtesy, along with an acknowledgment of the presence and dignity of those sharing our space. Simply put: let us be present and respectful in our interactions.

In our increasingly digital and often impersonal world, this first rule feels more profound. It is a reminder of basic human connection, of mindful behavior that urges us to consider the impact of our actions on others, even (or especially) virtually. It is more important than ever that we nurture a sense of empathy and recognize the dignity of those around us. Respectful interactions contribute to social harmony, which, in turn, builds stronger communities. This rule is truly timeless. It is never too late to start navigating social interactions with grace.