Comments on: Tips from George Washington’s Self-Help Manual

By: Hyacinth

Hyacinth — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:16:28 +0000

Correction. George Washington, during the surveying of some land, indicated my family was “ignorant” not lazy. ;-)

By: Joey

Joey — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:52:37 +0000

Bartlet (quoting from a book by George Washinton): “In public, put not your hands on any part of your body that is usually covered.”
C.J.: Well, I do what it takes to keep the press corps happy, Mr. President.

All roads lead to The West Wing.

By: Hyacinth

Hyacinth — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:34:51 +0000

I am not convinced he followed his own precepts. He wrote about my family in a journal, saying “I believe [they] are the laziest lot I have ever come across.” While it may have been true (and may still be!), it isn’t really in line with his kinder, gentler notes written above.

By: Dana

Dana — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 04:58:00 +0000

if most of society would follow a modernized version of this list, the world would be a much happier, safer, and less judjmental place.

By: David H.

David H. — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:13:00 +0000

Lynette, since reading that I’ve stopped spitting in the fire. ;) I don’t think it was a matter of Washington graduating. He was what we would call home schooled. It was part of what was considered a gentleman’s education. I presume his teacher/tutor had this book in his possession and loaned it to Washington as both an exercise in penmanship and morals.

By: Lynette Cantu

Lynette Cantu — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:58:00 +0000

My husband and I love watching the “History Channel”, in a show about George Washington they spoke of this book, I think they called it his school book or school copy book.(?) I thought it was so very interesting! I’m glad I came across this site. Is it right that after he “copied” and “mastered” all that was on this list he could graduate? There were also things like math, how to make ink, biology, etc in this book. Where did he copy it from? Thanks, Lynette
P.S. I liked the one about not spitting in the fire!

By: David H.

David H. — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 20:07:18 +0000

And even then it was old. ;)

By: Sara

Sara — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:48:52 +0000

I read this years ago in Reader’s Digest.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 07:30:06 +0000

Something to say for everything; I have the full list, it’s worth reading.

By: Nacks

Nacks — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:06:49 +0000

This reminds me of The Great Gatsby. He wrote a list like this.