In Search of Dignity

Here's a great article on how the denigration of some social norms has made us less civil (or "dignified", as David Brooks says):

In the article, Brooks references George Washington's rules for comportment - worth skimming.

Maybe it's the southerner in me, but I really like Washington's rules. Some rules that many would benefit from learning (including myself):

In the Presence of Others Sing not to yourself with a humming Noise, nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet.

Shift not yourself in the Sight of others nor Gnaw your nails.

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.

Shake not the head, Feet, or Legs roll not the Eyes lift not one eyebrow higher than the other wry not the mouth, and bedew no mans face with your Spittle, by approaching too near him when you Speak.

In other words, quit checking your blackberry:
Read no Letters, Books, or Papers in Company but when there is a Necessity for the doing of it you must ask leave.

Run not in the Streets, neither go too slowly nor with Mouth open go not Shaking your Arms kick not the earth with R feet, go not upon the Toes, nor in a Dancing fashion.

Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of Others and ask not how they came. What you may Speak in Secret to your Friend deliver not before others.

Put not another bit into your mouth till the former be swallowed. Let not your morsels be too big for the jowls.