Thursday, September 04, 2008

George Washington and Us

George Washington was reserved. He studied civility and even wrote a small book on manners.

He was, of course, far from the statue-like figure that is often presented. Washington had been a land surveyor and was no stranger to outdoor life. He had commanded troops in battles in which bullets tore through his jacket and where his height made him a conspicious target as he rode along the front line.

In short, he was not some dandified wimp, but was a gentle man who thought that a code of conduct is important. He didn't subscribe to an "anything goes" attitude nor did he think it was healthy for a society.

On a 1 to 10 scale of behavior, with George Washington being 10 and some hip comedian who uses vulgarities, utters shallow remarks, and mocks virtue being 1, where do we score?

It's a good exercise in introspection and humility.

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